As winter approaches, the high cost of keeping homes warm causes many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources. Whether throwing logs on the fireplace, installing a wood-burning stove, or adding standalone space heaters, these sources of comfort can also lead to a tragic loss of property or life. Fortunately, many residential fires can be prevented by following proper safety practices.
For background, from 2014-2016, an estimated 108,200 winter residential building fires were reported to fire departments across the U.S. These fires caused an estimated 980 deaths, 3,575 injuries, and $1.9 billion in property loss. (FEMA, Winter Residential Building Fires).
Cooking was the leading cause of these fires overall, but the larger fires were mainly caused by unintentional or careless actions (19 percent), electrical malfunctions (14 percent), open flames (12 percent), and heating (9 percent). The leading specific
factor contributing to ignition: a heat source too close to combustibles (16 percent).
To make matters worse, smoke alarms were not present in 22 percent of nonconfined winter fires, and automatic extinguishing systems (AESs) were present in only 4 percent in these occupied residential buildings. So how can you minimize or prevent the risk of fire in your home this winter?
Here are a few tips from The U.S. Fire Administration, a division of FEMA:
Furnace Heating
Have your furnace inspected, ensuring all controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
Do not attempt furnace repairs yourself; rely on qualified specialists to ensure the job is done right.
Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace for hot or discolored areas. Additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
Check the flue pipe and pipe seams for cracks, holes, and proper support. Soot along or around seams may indicate the presence of a leak.
Is the chimney solid with no loose bricks or cracks? All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
Kerosene Heaters
Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup, and ensure the heater is in good working condition.
Be sure it has an emergency shutoff in the event it is tipped over.
Never use fuel burning appliances without proper ventilation. Deadly carbon monoxide can be produced.
Only use the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. Never introduce fuel that is not designed for the heater.
Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot. Avoid overfilling when refueling.
Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors).
Instruct young children to stay away from heaters, especially when wearing loose clothing such as night gowns.
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
Ensure the fireplace or stove is properly installed, with adequate clearance of at least 36 inches from combustible surfaces.
Wood stoves should be good quality construction and be UL listed.
Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while.
Have a screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and serve as a safety barrier from burns to occupants.
Burn the store hot twice a day for at least 15 minutes to reduce creosote buildup.
Be careful to not overbuild a fireplace fire with excessive amounts of paper, which can ignite creosote in the chimney.
Never burn charcoal indoors; it can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace, which can cause the fire to heat up again and force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
If using synthetic logs, never break them apart to quicken the fire or use more than one at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
Other Tips
Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home.
Never use a range or oven as a supplemental heating device. In addition to being a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
If using an electric heater, do not overload the electrical circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating and ability to handle the amp load.
If you have a fire hydrant near the home, it can help the fire department by keeping it clear of snow so it can be easily located.
Finally, be sure every level of the home has a working smoke alarm and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis. Plan and practice an escape plan for the family that everyone understands and can follow. Winter home fires can often be prevented by following good safety practices. We should all remember the need for warmth and convenience should be balanced with awareness of the hazards and risks of fires and combustible materials inside our homes. Spring will be here before we know it!
Sources:
U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA. Winter fires safety tips for the home. www.usfa.fema.gov
U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA. Winter Residential Building Fires (2014-2016). U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics
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