Fire Safety During the Cold Months

It’s not quite winter yet, but the snow and cold weather are here! As the weather gets colder and we plug in space heaters, hang up festive decorations, and spend more time indoors, it’s easy to forget that these seasonal comforts can also raise the risk of fire. Winter doesn’t have to be stressful, though. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping all of us safe. Here are some fire safety tips from Lieutenant Byron Burton of the Division of Fire.

• Install and maintain smoke detectors in sleeping areas, avoiding kitchens and bathrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms are also needed if you have gas appliances or a wood or gas fireplace. You should test these at least twice a year and replace the batteries as needed.
• Create and practice a fire escape plan, ensuring everyone knows two ways out of each room and a designated meeting place outside.
• Know the location of your water shutoff valve and main breaker panel in your house. This knowledge is crucial if a pipe bursts or an electrical appliance sparks or catches fire.
• Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your furnace and chimney annually.
• Keep a sturdy screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from jumping out.
• Ensure the fireplace fire is completely out before going to sleep.
• Handle ashes with care, as they can stay hot for days; dispose of them in a metal container away from the house.
• Keep space heaters at least three to four feet away from any flammable items, such as furniture, curtains, and bedding. It’s best not to use an extension cord with a portable heater. If you must use one, ensure it is a heavy-gauge cord, and do not plug any other devices into the cord or outlet.
• Turn off portable heaters and blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Avoid using a gas oven to heat your home.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in an easily accessible location. Perform a monthly visual inspection, including shaking the extinguisher for at least a minute to break up the powder inside, and replace it after expiration.
• Stay in the kitchen while frying, broiling, or grilling food.
• Do not place frozen foods in hot frying oil. Ensure the food is thawed and dry before cooking.
• Keep flammable items like towels and potholders away from the stovetop.
• Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires or damaged components and dispose of anything in poor condition. Use LED lights whenever possible.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Just because an outlet has multiple sockets doesn’t mean you can safely use several appliances at the same time. Remember that surge protectors only guard against power surges; they do not prevent overloads. Be cautious when using multiple devices simultaneously to ensure your safety.
• Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions; always unplug them after use. Avoid using indoor extension cords outdoors and use heavy-gauge cords whenever possible to prevent overload.
• During snowfall, ensure walkways and stairs are clear of snow and ice.

Don’t forget to check out Henrico’s Division of Fire social media pages for more tips and local updates!

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