October is Fire Safety Month: Find out Why, Get Tips and Watch Fire Safety Videos

As the weather cools and families spend more time indoors, the risk for home fires increases this time of year. Appropriately enough, October is Fire Safety Month according to the Home Safety Council. Here are some of the top recommended tips for preventing fires in the home this season:

Cooking is the most common cause of residential fires, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Although it may not seem like a big deal to leave the room for a few minutes while cooking, it’s never a good idea. It only takes a few seconds for a simmering dinner to turn into a charred kitchen. Make sure when cooking that flammable objects are kept far away from gas and electric stove tops including dish rags, paper towels, etc. Also, never leave children unattended in the kitchen while food is being prepared.

Someone is injured in a fire every 30 minutes in the United States. And every 158 minutes, a fire related death occurs.

-CDC- Fire Deaths and Injuries Fact Sheet

Smoking is the leading cause of fire related deaths. Of course your best bet is to quit. However, if you must smoke, do it carefully. Smoke outdoors and purchase fire-safe cigarettes if possible. Always use an ash tray to extinguish your cigarettes and make sure there are no warm embers in the ashtray before emptying in the trash.

Heating: If you have a furnace, it is recommended that you get it inspected by a professional at least once a year before the winter season. A heating and air professional will be able to tell you if you need your furnace cleaned or repaired. If you have a fireplace in your home, be sure to have your chimney cleaned once a year to avoid chimney fires. Also, make sure the area in your home in front of your fireplace is clear of furniture, drapery or any other flammable objects. If you use space heaters in your home, be sure they have been safety inspected and never leave them on when you are not in the room. Again, keep them away from flammable objects.

Candles are popular around the holiday season but extra precaution should be taken whenever you have candles in your home. First of all, electric candles are much safer and should be used whenever possible. However, if you must opt for the real thing make sure you keep the candles in a safe place where they cannot ignite other objects. Also, make sure to blow out candles before leaving the home or going to bed for the night.

Other Tips:

• Test your smoke and fire alarms to ensure they are functioning correctly
• Plan a fire evacuation plan with your family
• Check out this video by FEMA, “How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher”: