FDNY Tips for Winter Fire Safety

The winter season brings about many changes in your home, including the need to stay warm during the cold weather. The winter and holiday season is also the fire season, with more than one-third of home fires occurring during the months of December, January and February. Most fires and injuries are preventable by taking precautions to keep you and your family safe.

Safely Heat Your Home

  • Never use the kitchen oven or gas range to heat your home or apartment. Such improper use could cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate, causing severe illness and possible death.
  • Have a qualified technician install all new equipment.
  • Have a qualified professional inspect your equipment annually. The inspection will ensure that the system is maintained in proper working order and identify any parts that require repair or replacement.
  • Schedule regular cleaning of your boiler, furnace and hot water heater, including the chimney and chimney connectors.
  • Have your wood-burning stove or fireplace, including the chimney and connectors, inspected every year by a professional.
  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of fireplace openings to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out.

Electric Space Heaters:

  • GIVE SPACE HEATERS SPACE. Heaters should be placed at least three feet from any combustible material, such as bedding and furniture.
  • Never use an extension cord with a space heater.
  • Inspect the electrical cord for damage before each use.
  • Keep young children and pets away from space heaters.
  • Only use equipment that has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark.
  • Avoid using electric space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
  • Turn off/unplug the space heater whenever you leave the room or go to sleep.

Electric Blankets

  • Use only electric blankets that have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark.
  • Replace all electric blankets that are more than 10 years old. (99% of blanket fires have been caused by blankets 10 years or older.)
  • Purchase blankets with an automatic safety shut off. (The device will shut off the blanket if the temperature gets too high.)
  • Always buy new electric blankets; second-hand blankets may not be safe.
  • Replace any electric blanket that has broken or frayed cords or scorch marks.
  • Avoid tucking the electric blanket in at the sides of the bed.
  • Avoid placing other blankets or comforters on top of an electric blanket while in use.
  • Warm the bed with your electric blanket and turn it off before going to bed.

Remember always to have and maintain working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home.  

For more winter fire safety tips, translatable in over 80 languages please visit Seasonal Safety – FDNY Smart

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