As Front Range residents prepared for the first big snow of the season last week, the American Red Cross urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources and to make a plan in case of a home fire. Heating sources are the leading cause of winter fires and increase during the winter months of December, January and February.
Heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces or wood and coal stoves can pose a fire hazard. To reduce the risk of heating-related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping anything that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment and fireplaces and to never leave these unattended.
Last year the Red Cross Northern Colorado Chapter responded to 74 home fires in Northern Colorado. “Home fires are the number one disaster we respond to,” said Regional Communications Director Patricia Billinger. “But the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of a home fire.”
The American Red Cross offers the following fire prevention tips:
All heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.
Never use a cooking range or oven to heat the home.
Turn off portable space heaters every time people leave the room or go to sleep.
Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually by a professional and cleaned if necessary.
If one must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
The Red Cross depends on the generous support of Colorado residents to be ready to respond and help neighbors who are affected by home fires.
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