Winter is a time for cozy fires, glowing candles, twinkling lights and piping-hot, oven-fresh comfort food. These and other traditions, from Hanukkah to Christmas to New Year's Eve, add to the literal and figurative warmth of the season.
As family and friends keep the proverbial home fires burning, it’s wise to heed winter fire hazard warnings, too. Household fires are more common in winter than any other season, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA).
The USFA estimates that 128,700 fires in December account for 415 deaths and 1,650 injuries.
Fire safety during the holidays is especially important. From cooking holiday treats or dinnertime feasts to space heaters, extension cords, lighted menorahs or Christmas trees, the warmth of the season can quickly become dangerous.
Winter storms can also bring power outages and the use of potentially hazardous or unfamiliar alternative heating sources. Prevention can be as simple as adopting a few habits that bring peace of mind to the home front.
This is only a partial checklist, but it is a good place to start. Contact your local fire department, the USFA or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the latest information, answers to specific questions, helpful resources and guidance on current codes and standards.
Winter and holiday season peace-of-mind checklist
Before and during celebrations, pay close attention to details. For example, while the kids fling pretty Christmas wrapping paper in hopes of uncovering their favorite new toy, make sure that paper doesn’t land too close to the Christmas candles, the fireplace or space heaters. After you’ve tried Grandma’s favorite gingerbread recipe, double-check to make sure the oven is turned off.
A few more tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t leave candles or stove-top pots and pans unattended. Check to make sure small appliances don’t overheat. Trim candlewicks and don’t let candles burn too long or too low. Watch children closely and teach them never to play with matches, lighters or candles.
- Pay special attention to Christmas trees as well as indoor and outdoor lights. Keep live trees well watered. A dry tree ignites quickly! About one in 18 fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death according to the NFPA. Don’t leave heat sources too close to Christmas trees.
- Unplug electric appliances that are not in use. Replace old, worn or frayed extension cords. Make sure they are sturdy and not overloaded with too many plugs.
- Make sure cords are not under heavy furniture or rugs.
- Make sure lamps and light fixtures have the right kind of bulb. You don’t want a 100-watt bulb in that tiny decorative lamp! Check lampshades, too, to be sure they fit properly, are straight and even, and not too close to the bulb.
- Conduct routine inspections of electric appliances, electric blankets, space heaters or other devices. If it’s old, worn or outdated, replace it with a newer, safer version.
- Check smoke alarms and batteries to be sure they’re in good working order.
- Consider a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm. Look for the approval insignia from an independent tester, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). According to the Iowa State University Extension, faulty furnaces, water heaters, stoves or any fuel-burning appliance can produce dangerous CO fumes.
- Inspect and clean clothes dryers and ducts, including exterior vents.
- Have fire extinguishers handy. Check the label to ensure that it is the right type of extinguisher for the area.
- During warmer months, practice using a fire extinguisher to become familiar with its operation so you’re ready in case of an emergency. Have family members practice, too.
Fuel and heating safety tips
- Have a safe back-up heat source for emergency power outages. Never use gas stoves as heaters.
- All heating appliances are a potential fire hazard. This includes fireplaces, electric or fuel-operated space heaters, furnaces, electric blankets, etc. Check them during and after use.
- Store fuels such as gasoline for snow blowers, oil for lamps, or propane for grills and heaters, in the proper, designated containers.
- Store fuel in a safe place, tightly sealed in appropriate metal containers. Keep it away from heat sources and combustibles and in well-ventilated areas. Never store fuels near furnaces, water heaters or any open flame appliance or device.
- Never use fuel containers for anything other than their designated purpose. Do not attempt to refill them with other types of fuel or liquids. Do not refill or reuse disposable containers.
- Empty and dispose of all fuel containers properly.
- Do not fill a heater while it is operating or hot! Avoid over-filling.
- Replace the furnace filter. Make it a habit to check this and other items, such as smoke alarms, regularly. Have an expert check the furnace, fireplaces, chimney and vents each season.
- Clean the chimney before winter. Keep the areas surrounding fireplaces, heaters and appliances clean, clear and safe. Use a fireplace screen. It should be stable and secure. Make sure no exterior vents are blocked.
- Check this Home Heating Safety list from the NFPA for more reminders.
Outdoor safety tips
- Store ice-melting or other chemicals in appropriate, safely sealed containers in a location where children and pets cannot reach them.
- Keep porches, steps, sidewalks, driveways and other walkways clear of ice and snow. Make sure stair railings are secured.
- Make sure the garage door is open before using the remote-control starter to start the car in the garage! Such tragedies have happened when people are distracted by holiday activities and stress or are unfamiliar with a new device.
- Check the garage for fire hazards, such as wiring, frayed or poorly placed cords, overloaded outlets, combustibles and clutter, etc.
- Make sure exterior heat vents are not blocked, especially during winter storms.
- If there is a fire hydrant near your home, make sure it isn’t covered in snow or blocked by a vehicle or other obstacle. When fires happen, seconds count.
Nightly home inspection
Make a daily “last-check” checklist for winter nights or anytime. Start a list and customize it for your household, using this checklist plus other nightly checks appropriate for your household, habits and traditions.
For example:
- Are all candles and fires extinguished?
- Is the fireplace clear of paper or other combustibles? Are ashes cool and stored in a metal container or properly disposed outside?
- Are wrapping paper and other seasonal materials put away safely, away from heat sources or flammable materials?
- Are furnaces, heaters, ovens, grills, smokers or other appliances and equipment clean, clear of clutter and turned off or appropriately adjusted?
Planning and preparation save lives, heartbreak and money
Have and practice fire escape plans and emergency meeting and communication details. Have kids memorize important numbers rather than relying on electronic devices, which may be lost, damaged, inaccessible or inoperable in an emergency.
Winter and the holiday season bring many good things. It's worth a little extra time to learn about home fire safety and the latest standards and recommendations. Get to know your neighbors at your local fire department, too!
Although it may go unnoticed by family and friends, protecting your home, family and guests may well be the most priceless gift you give this year!
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