Stay Warm and Safe During the Cold Winter Months

Stay Warm and Safe During the Cold Winter Months

Brr… It’s cold outside! With winter now upon us, the need for home heating sources is on the rise. Sadly, half of home heating fires tend to occur during the months of December, January, and February. Heating equipment, including space heaters and heating stoves, is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.  

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2018-2022, fire departments responded to an estimated average of 40,997 fires involving heating equipment per year, which accounted for 12% of all reported home fires during this time. These fires resulted in the death of 470 civilians annually. Therefore, as you prepare to keep you and your family warm during these cold winter months, take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

 Heating Safety Tips 

When installing heating equipment, like wood-burning stoves, always follow the instruction manual or have a professional complete the installation. Ensure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and always use the right kind of fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance is also important. Therefore, heating equipment and chimneys must be cleaned, serviced, and inspected by a qualified professional annually. All fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from entering the room. 

Utilize a three (3) foot rule, meaning keep anything that can burn at least three (3) feet away from heating equipment. Keep this rule in place for children by establishing a “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. Also, store lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

Two in five heating deaths involve portable, electric space heaters, according to the NFPA. When purchasing a heater, select one with a qualified testing laboratory seal. Always place the space heater on a solid, flat surface and plug directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord. Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off in the event it tips over and ensure it has a thermostat and overheat protection. Also, always turn your space heater off and unplug when you are not in the room or before going to bed. Finally, never use an oven to heat your home.

Fire Prevention Strategies

In addition to keeping safety at the forefront, being prepared in the event of a fire is important. As a family, be sure to have a fire escape plan in place and practice what to do. Ensure everyone is aware of at least two exits from each room and locate a secure place to meet outside the home, like the mailbox, streetlight, specific tree, neighbor’s house, or another landmark that is a safe distance from the home.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible locations in the home, like the garage and kitchen, where they can be seen and reached quickly in case of a fire. Working smoke alarms should be present on every level of the home, including in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Test smoke alarms regularly. Check batteries once a month or at least twice each year – the easiest way to remember to do this is during daylight savings time when we spring forward or fall back and reset the clocks. Also, remember fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and CO detectors have an expiration date, so it is necessary to replace them as needed.

Protecting our Future Generation  

Fire safety, which is one of more than 30 topics of available curriculum, remains one of the most popularly taught topics at Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Days) programs, reaching nearly 39,000 individuals in 2024 alone. Through various hands-on activities and demonstrations, children learn ways to not only prevent fires from happening around the home, ranch or farm, but also what to do if a fire occurs. After learning potentially life-saving information, participants return home to share the knowledge they gained with their family and friends. 

PAF Safety Days has been recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached millions of participants and volunteers. You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click on Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.