"studies have shown that home fires are most prevalent in the months of December and January"
With the summer season almost on its last leg, the winter months will be rolling just around the corner. Winter weather brings in more than just colder weather and holiday celebrations. It also brings in a numerous amount of residential fires from Christmas Tree lights and accidental carbon monoxide poisoning from a running a furnace heater in unventilated spaces for too long. These tragedies can be prevented with the appropriate safety precautions.
According to the Nation Fire Protection Association (NFPA), studies have shown that home fires are most prevalent in the months of December and January. The number of CO related injuries and deaths also increase in winter months when furnaces, space heaters and other fuel burning appliances are in use.
Below you will find some safety tips to protect your family in the winter months:
Winter Fire Safety Tips
1) Install smoke alarms with both Photoelectric and Ionization sensing technologies on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas for maximum protection.
2) Test smoke alarms at least once a week.
3) Change the batteries in smoke alarms every six months or when the low battery signal is heard.
4) Create and practice a home escape plan at least twice a year, making sure everyone is involved from kids to grandparents.
5) Keep a fire extinguisher or fire extinguishing spray in your kitchen and near other areas where a fire could occur, such as in a workshop, garage or near a fireplace.
Winter Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
1) Never run a generator indoors or in a poorly ventilated area, such as a garage or porch, and use the appropriate-size power cords to carry the electric load.
2) Install one battery-operated CO alarm (or AC-powered alarm with battery backup) on every level of the home and one in each sleeping area.
3) Ensure that CO alarms have working batteries installed.
4) Never burn charcoal or other outdoor cooking appliances indoors or in the garage.
5) Inspect and clean any soot and debris, such as bird nests and paper, out of the chimneys, flues and stacks.
