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October 8, 2014
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National Fire Prevention Week
As the temperature outside drops, people are turning off the air conditioning and cranking up the heat. And since we’re right in the middle of National Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), there’s no better time to remind ourselves why it’s important to be cautious when using space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and other methods for heating up the home!
The Stats
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), half of all home heating fires from 2007-2011 occurred in the months of December, January and February. And space heaters accounted for 33% of home heating fires!
Just by cleaning your heating equipment and being careful with its placement can drastically reduce the chance of a fire – and a fatal mishap. The NFPA reports that space heaters accounted for 81% of home heating fire deaths. Make sure to keep items that can catch fire easily – like furniture, clothing, bedding – away from heating equipment.
Check the Smoke Detector
Unfortunately, fires can occur even when you’re extremely careful (cooking mishaps can happen to the best of us). To make sure you’re ready for these unexpected emergencies, check to see your smoke alarm is working. The NFPA recommends that homeowners test their smoke detecting devices (detectors, alarms, carbon monoxide sensors) every month!
Other Resources
There aren’t many things that can beat the feeling of curling up near a warm fireplace, but remember to be careful this fall and winter when heating up your home. For additional information and tips on how practice fire safety, here are a few blog posts for reference:
The NFPA also offers plenty of resources to keep you, your family and your neighbors safe from fire and related hazards: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers.
Stay warm this this fall and winter – and safe!
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