The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) are teaming up to remind us that winter months are the leading time of year for home fires. To help you stay safe in your home this season, they have provided some important safety tips to follow:
Heating
When heating your home, remember to follow important safety tips:
– If using a fireplace, remember to get it professional cleaned annually.
– When using a space heater, keep it at least 3-feet away from flammable materials such as curtains and walls and always remember to turn it off before you leave the house.
Candles
On average, 29 home candle fires were reported each day between 2007 and 2011. More than half of home candle fires occur when candles are placed too close to things that can burn.
– Never leave a burning candle unattended.
– Never place a burning candle close to flammable material such as clothes, papers or curtains.
Cooking
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, with Thanksgiving being the leading day for cooking fires.
– Make sure pots and pans are out of reach of children.
– Be sure to keep flammable material such as pot holders and dish towels hung up, away from the stove at all times.
– Never leave a stove or oven unattended. Turn everything off before you leave the house.
Help us to reduce fires in the home this season by following these easy tips.
