Winter is Fire Season

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Winter is fire season. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the number of residential building fires peaks in December, but is collectively the highest in the three winter months of January, February and March. While cooking fires are the leading cause of all winter residential building fires, the high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many homeowners to turn to wood burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces as alternate sources of home heating, increasing the risk of home fires from those sources as well.

 "No matter where you live, the winter months bring family get-togethers. Please take extra precautions to keep your families and homes safe during these high risk months."

 A combination of prevention, precautions and good old common sense can help avoid costly and often tragic residential fires. Here are some tips that all homeowners should keep in mind:

 Furnace and Heater Safety Tips

• Ø  Check that furnaces and heaters are in good working condition before using, including controls and emergency shut-offs.


• Ø  Keep electrical space heaters away from water, and trash and other combustibles away from all heaters.


• Ø  Use heaters and other fuel-burning appliances in well-ventilated rooms – and always use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.

 Fireplace and Stove Safety Tips

• Ø  Have your fireplace or stove chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.


• Ø  Install wood stoves at least 36" from flammable surfaces and on a suitable floor support.


• Ø  Don't use flammable liquids to start a fire and don't keep flammable materials near your fireplace or stove.  Control sparks with a glass or metal screen.


• Ø  Dispose of hot ashes in a metal container. Never discard them inside or near your home.


• Ø  Don't close the fireplace damper if hot ashes remain in the fireplace. The fire may reheat and force carbon monoxide into the house.

 Kitchen Safety Tips

• Ø  Watch that pot! The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.


• Ø  A rule to live by: Keep things that catch fire away from sources of heat. This includes keeping stovetops, burners and oven surfaces clean.


• Ø  Keep pets and children away from the stove, and keep pot handles turned in.


• Ø  Wear short or tight-sleeved clothing when cooking.


• Ø  Know what to do in the case of a fire, but leave the house promptly if you are not able to quickly smother the fire with a pot lid. Never pour water on a grease fire or attempt to move a burning pot.

 Decorating Safety Tips

• Ø  Purchase a fresh, live tree or a fire-resistant artificial tree, and then set it up away from heat sources. Give live trees a fresh cut and add water to the tree stand frequently.


• Ø  Trim the tree with non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations. Never use lighted candles on your tree or other evergreen decorations. And dispose of wrapping paper, ribbons, etc., after gifts are opened.


• Ø  Don't use electric lights on a metallic tree; check "outdoor" lights for certification; and turn off all lights at bedtime or when you leave the house unattended.


• Ø  Burn candles in fire-safe holders, away from flammable materials and always within sight.

 If a fire does break out with resulting damage to a property, contact a restoration professional immediately. On call 24 hours a day, even on holidays, we provide fast response to properties damaged by fire and smoke that can help minimize property loss, save possessions and contain insurance claims.

 We are available 24/7 throughout the holiday season at 312-453-1500.

 Please have a safe and happy December!

 Regards,

 Scott Majeski

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