Winter Said to Bring Elevated Fire Dangers

12/8/2009

Experts have offered varying predictions about what this winter's weather will be like, but regardless, the coming months tend to bring a statistically higher danger of house fires.

With that in mind, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) recently teamed up with a major insurance company and offered homeowners some tips on how to protect their property.

According to a survey the two entities conducted in 2006, about 25 percent of adults believe that home space heaters are safe, although they account for about 73 percent of all home heating fire deaths and 43 percent of all such injuries.

Stoves and fireplaces are also common fire hazards in the winter months, with the National Fire Protection Association having reported that about 33 percent of all home fires and deaths take place during the months of December, January and February.

To protect themselves, homeowners should remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from any combustible materials, and they must never leave a stove or oven unattended. Other tips include keeping candles far from flammable materials and avoiding too much of an energy load on power strips.

Homeowners should also check with their insurance companies to see what discounts, if any, are available for various safety measures such as fire ladders and sprinkler systems.

ShareThis