Keep Safety in Mind in the Winter

As the days get colder and snow starts building up it is important to remember some key winter safety tips for your home. Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February. Help keep you and your family safe from a winter fire – know what to do before, during and after a storm.

Winter Safety Tips

• Ensure all heating equipment works properly and is cleaned.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment like fireplaces, space heaters and stoves.
• Make sure space heaters are working properly and turn them off when leaving a room or going to bed. 
• Plug space heaters directly into an outlet, avoid using extension cords. 
• Keep portable generators away from windows and doors and only use outside of the home or garage. 
• Install carbon monoxide alarms and test them once a month.
• Use battery operated flameless candles. If using lit candles, keep away from decorations or anything that can burn. Blow out candles when leaving the room or home. 
• Replace any string lights with worn cords or loose bulb connections. 
• Test smoke alarms once a month and let your family know about your fire escape plan.  Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old or have expired.
• Clear your driveway and front walk from snow and ice in case of any emergency. 
• Be ready if your heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothing and blankets to stay warm. 
• When clearing snow, ensure fire hydrants are visible and accessible. 

Be Fire Smart!

If you have any doubt about fighting a fire in your home, just leave and close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 and wait for help to arrive.

Want more winter fire safety resources? Check out the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) website and the helpful safety tip sheets below, which you can print off and place on your fridge or chat with your family about in more detail: 

• Winter Holiday Safety Tips
  (Source: NFPA)
• Winter Storm Safety Tips
  (Source: NFPA)
• Winter Safety Tips
  (Source: NFPA)

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