Buzz
Winter may seem like the perfect time to stay cozy indoors, but it also poses one of the highest risks for home fires. Between 2017 and 2019, heating fires in homes led to an average of 34,200 reported incidents per year. Over half of all house fires take place between December and March, based on U.S. Fire Administration data from 2017 to 2019.
Many of these fires could have been prevented. Experts in fire safety and electrical hazards shared the top mistakes they urge you to avoid this winter.
1. Never place a space heater near anything that could catch fire.
In over a quarter of the most severe heating-related fires in residential buildings, the blaze started because the heat source was placed too near something flammable. A space heater is frequently the cause of these incidents.
To stay safe, keep your space heater at least 3 to 5 feet away from any furniture, curtains, or other items that could catch fire, advises Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association, which educates the public on fire safety.
2. Don’t skip checking your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms this winter.
Many fires reported by the U.S. Fire Administration were made worse because the building’s smoke alarms were either malfunctioning or disabled. The USFA reports that most home fires happen at night, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., while people are asleep.
Alarms are crucial for alerting you to danger when you’re asleep or unaware. As McKelvey stated, "They’re your first line of defense in a home fire."
The USFA also suggests replacing your smoke alarm every ten years and testing it monthly. A simple check can be done by pressing the test button on the alarm.
It’s best to have more than one smoke alarm in your home. Both the USFA and NFPA recommend installing alarms in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on each floor, including the basement.
McKelvey advises that your winter preparations should include a plan for what to do if the smoke alarm goes off. Establish a buddy system for the most vulnerable members of your household and select an outdoor meeting spot to gather at in case of evacuation.
"If there are children or individuals requiring extra help in your home, assign someone to assist each child or person who needs it," McKelvey explained. "In a fire situation, it's too late to figure that out."
3. Never leave heat sources unattended.
A common error is leaving flammable objects unattended, even if it’s just for a brief period. McKelvey advises, "If you’re using candles, never leave the room while they’re burning."
McKelvey recommends that you never leave candles burning or embers in your fireplace overnight. Also, avoid leaving a space heater running when you’re not at home or while you’re asleep.
Winter often means long hours spent cooking, but it’s important not to leave dishes like stew simmering on the stove unattended. McKelvey points out that this is another common cause of fires.
"You step away for just a moment, thinking you'll be back soon, but something else grabs your attention. Before you know it, you’ve been away much longer than you intended, and that's when accidents occur," she explained.
4. Don’t skip maintenance on your heating system this winter.
One of the most commonly overlooked tasks is heating system maintenance, according to Duane Enoch, owner of Green Air Concepts Heating and Air Conditioning in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
"Many people assume that just adjusting the thermostat each year will keep things running smoothly," Enoch noted. "But without regular checks, you might not realize what could be going wrong over time."
During a routine maintenance check, a professional will typically inspect your heating systems, clean debris from your chimney, check your flame sensor, ensure proper combustion, and confirm that your flue gases are at the correct temperature, Enoch explained.
5. Avoid overloading your wall outlet or electrical panel.
