Cold Weather Can Bring Home Fire Dangers

12/23/2009

Winter weather can bring a number of fire safety issues to homeowners who fail to take the necessary precautions when it comes to heating and other things.

This week, Tennessee Insurance Commissioner Leslie Newman reminded people of the importance of checking all smoke alarms and keeping chimneys cleaned with cold weather now having settled on much of the nation.

Newman warned that space heaters can be dangerous and require at least three feet of space away from materials that are flammable, such as curtains, bedding or aerosol cans. Extension cords are also considered to be very dangerous when used in conjunction with space heaters.

When it comes to woodstoves and fireplaces, homeowners are strongly urged to avoid leaving them unattended. Another wintertime fire danger can be Christmas trees, especially those that are starting to dry out. With that in mind, homeowners should remove them as soon as possible after the holidays and keep them watered to slow down the drying process. The wood from Christmas trees should also never be used in fireplaces because of the flammable soot it can leave behind in chimneys.

Overall, a little fire safety can help avert tragedy while sparing consumers from having to make unwanted calls to their homeowner insurance company.

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