Winter is all about feeling cosy and warm as we revel in the beauty of the season. Usually this means that the fireplace is on, the furnace is running, food is in the oven and the candles are burning. With winter being the most common time for house fires, it is extremely important that we are staying safe all season long. Consider these precautions to keep your home and family safe.

  • Keep the space around your furnace, space heater and fireplace clear. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least three feet clear of any items, and keep children away.
  • Have your heating systems checked regularly. These systems are not perfect and if not checked can cause fires and lead to serious damage of your home.
  • Test out your smoke alarms and make sure you have the right amount installed in your home. Look into your local fire codes to ensure your home is following safety regulations.
  • If you have a wood-burning fireplace make sure to have your chimney cleaned regularly to avoid build up that can catch fire. Be sure to also keep the flames low and controlled.
  • Educate your family around the danger of fire and have an emergency plan in place for your home. Purchase or make fire safety kits for all of the bedrooms in case of an emergency.
  • Never leave candles or cooking unattended. If you leave the room or leave the house turn it off and blow it out. Things can catch on fire very quickly and cause a lot of damage. Family dinners are often when we get the most distracted and leave our food to burn and stop watching candles closely.