Fire Safety - Winter Heating Safety

December marks the peak of home heating fires. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during December, January, and February and most fire-caused fatalities involve space heaters. As temperatures drop, now is the time to review some important safety tips.

Fireplaces & Woodstoves

• Have chimneys and heating systems inspected, cleaned, and repaired annually.

• Use a sturdy metal screen to keep sparks contained.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.

• Dispose of cooled ashes in a metal container.

• Install wood-burning stoves according to manufacturer instructions or hire a professional.

• Ensure all fuel-burning equipment is properly vented outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.

Portable Space Heaters

With colder weather, heaters are working harder, and heating-related fires rise sharply this time of year. Protect your home by giving heaters plenty of space and using them safely.

• Choose heaters certified by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Keep heaters 3 feet from anything combustible, including furniture, bedding, and people.

• Place heaters on solid, flat surfaces. Plug them directly into the wall, never an extension cord.

• Keep heaters out of walkways and never block exits.

• Turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Select models with temperature controls and automatic shut-offs.

Credit: Spokane Fire

Candle Safety

Candles add warmth to the season but also pose a fire risk. Remember: a candle is an open flame. According to NFPA, between 2014 and 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to more than 7,000 home fires that were started by candles per year.

• Don’t burn candles all the way down—extinguish them before they reach the holder.

• Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.

• Always blow out candles before leaving rooms or going to bed.

• Keep candles away from children and pets.

• Consider flameless candles for a safer glow.

Credit: Seattle Fire

Additional Winter Heating Safety Tips

• Never leave flames, candles, or fireplaces unattended.

• Keep furniture, curtains, and pillows at least 12 inches from baseboard heaters.

• Vent all fuel-burning equipment outside.

• Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly so it’s important to ensure proper ventilation.

• Maintain a three-foot pet and kid-free zone around fireplaces and heaters.

• Install smoke and CO alarms on every floor, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

• Test smoke alarms monthly.

• Use only the manufacturer-recommended fuel for fuel-burning heaters.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure your home stays warm, safe, and fire-free throughout the winter season.

Sources: seattle.gov,nfpa.org,kidde.com