Cold weather brings cozy nights, warm fires, and extra time spent indoors—but it also brings a spike in home fires. As heating systems, holiday décor, and electrical use increase, so does the risk. Here are essential winter fire prevention tips to help keep your home and family safe:
1. Heat Your Home Safely
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn—furniture, curtains, blankets, and décor.
- Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, not power strips or extension cords.
- Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Have chimneys and wood stoves inspected annually to prevent creosote buildup.
- Use a fireplace screen to catch flying embers.
2. Maintain Furnaces & HVAC Systems
- Schedule a yearly furnace inspection to ensure safe operation.
- Replace filters regularly to avoid overheating or airflow issues.
- Keep flammable items away from the furnace or hot surfaces.
3. Be Smart With Holiday Lighting
- Inspect holiday lights for frayed cords, damaged plugs, or broken bulbs.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors—they’re not interchangeable.
- Turn off all holiday lights before bed or when leaving home.
4. Candle Safety
- Use sturdy candle holders and place candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Consider flameless, battery-powered alternatives for worry-free ambiance.
5. Cook With Care
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Keep flammable items—towels, pot holders, packaging—away from heat sources.
- Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
6. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom.
- Test alarms monthly.
- Replace batteries twice a year and replace the entire unit every 10 years.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors, especially near sleeping areas.
7. Practice Safe Fireplace & Wood Stove Use
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
- Store ashes in a metal container, with a lid, outside and away from the home.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
8. Use Generators Properly
- Never run a generator inside the home, garage, or any enclosed space.
- Place portable generators at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.
9. Create and Practice an Escape Plan
- Make sure everyone in the home knows two ways out of each room.
- Establish a family meeting spot outside.
- Practice your escape plan regularly.
A Safer Winter Starts With Prevention
Winter may bring cold temperatures, but a little preparation can keep danger at bay. By staying mindful of heating equipment, electrical safety, and regular maintenance, families can enjoy the season knowing they’ve taken steps to prevent home fires.
