Winter Weather Safety

Heating Safety

Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths, and injuries. December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires.
Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment like furnaces, fireplaces, or space heaters. Keep children and pets a safe distance away.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Have heating equipment and chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.
Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.

Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Moisten cigarette butts before discarding.

Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow to provide easy access to your home.
Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.
Have flashlights, battery-powered lighting, and fresh batteries on hand in case the power goes out. Never use candles!
Stay aware of winter weather. Watch for bulletins online or on TV or radio news.
Check on neighbors and others who may need help.
Generators should be used outdoors, away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open. Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
If the heat stops working, use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep
anything that can burn at least three feet away.

Additional Resources: www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Teaching-tools/Safety-tip-sheets