Winter Fire Hazards and Prevention Tips

Winter is almost over and the weather will be heating up soon however that does not mean that winter fire hazards are on the back burner.  Be vigilant and stay safe by being aware of winter fire hazards.

Identifying Winter Fire Hazards & How to Prevent Them

Heating Appliances – One of the biggest winter fire hazards is misused heating appliances.  These include space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves.  To diminish the risk of heating appliance-related fire hazards make sure that you keep flammable materials at least three feet away from all heat sources.  Also, never leave a heating appliance, including a space heater or fireplace, unattended when in use, even when sleeping. 

Electrical Malfunctions – During the cold winter months there is an increased use of lights, heaters, and other electronic devices.  This causes an escalated risk in electrical fires.  Overloaded circuits, frayed wires, and faulty outlets, especially in older buildings, are common culprits.  This is why it is important that you inspect electrical cords and outlets for signs of damage and replace them if needed.  It is also important to avoid overloading circuits and use surge protectors for added safety. 

Cooking Incidents – Cooking-related fires are common all year long, but they are especially common during the holiday season when there is a surge in cooking activities.  Never leave cooking, especially on stovetops, unattended.  It is also important that you keep flammable items away from your cooking appliances and regularly clean your cooking stoves, ovens, and exhaust hoods.  It is especially important that you clean your kitchen of grease buildup as grease buildup in kitchen appliances can spark dangerous fires.

Additional Fire Safety Tips

On top of identifying winter fire hazards and learning how to prevent them, there are other fire safety tips you can implement to avoid or prepare for a winter fire.

Install Smoke Alarms – One big way to prepare for a fire is by ensuring that smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home.  You should also test them monthly and replace the batteries as needed.  This way if a fire breaks out then you will be alerted by the smoke alarms.

Create a Fire Escape Plan – Creating and practicing a fire escape plan with your household is another way you can ensure that your household is prepared if a fire breaks out.  This includes having designated meeting points outside the home if a fire were to ever break out. 

Prepare with an Inflatable Educational Fire House

One of the best ways to educate your household about what to do during a house fire is by educating them with one of Boulder Blimp’s inflatable educational fire houses.  Our team has worked with fire departments across the country and Canada to create an interactive, up-to-date, and fun fire safety lesson experience with our inflatable educational fire houses.  These inflatables provide a hands on experience and are a great educational tool.

Learn more about our inflatable educational fire houses on our website at www.inflatablefireeducationhouse.com or order your own by emailing us at fireeducation@boulderblimp.com.