Winter Fire Safety

Four out of every seven house fires occur between the months of December and February. Many of these are due to unattended alternative heating sources or holiday decorations. Here are a few important tips on how to keep your house safe from fire.

• Get your chimmney inspected before using the fireplace, and never leave the fire unattended. Keep the area in front of the fireplace clear of flammable material.
• Always blow out candles before leaving the room. Only light candles on sturdy surfaces away from potentially flammable items.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep, and be sure to set them up in an open space away from possible fire hazards such as blankets or curtains.
• Don't leave the stove or oven unattended, and don't use them as an extra heating source. Double check before you go to bed or leave the house that everything is turned off.
• Be especially mindful of children around fire hazards.

These simple steps can keep your family much safer, and ultimately much warmer, this winter.