Seasonal increase during the winter months in heating, lighting, cooking, and holiday festivities dramatically increases the risks of fire in your home. Listed below is information and fact sheets about some of the dangers of  residential  fires and how to avoid them.

Heating

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and manmade logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented.

Fact Link:  Heating Fire Safety (US Fire Administration)

Cooking

Many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don’t practice safe cooking behaviors. Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries.

Fact Link:  Cooking Fire Safety (US Fire Administration)

Holiday Fire Safety

Holiday decorating is one of the joys of the winter season and goes a long way to help brighten up the dark days and long nights. Unfortunately, these same decorations can also become a significant hazard if not used carefully. An estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year across the U.S.

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire or what to do in case a fire were to start in your home.  Help ensure that everyone has a fire safe holiday season.

Fact Link: Holiday Fire Safety (U.S. Fire Administration)