As temperatures drop, the American Red Cross is raising awareness about the increased risk of house fires due to common winter heating practices. From space heaters to holiday decorations, the colder months bring new hazards into the home, prompting the Red Cross to offer guidance to keep families safe this winter.

Surge in Home Fires During Cold Weather

According to the American Red Cross, winter is a peak season for house fires, with calls for assistance rising by 30% in colder months. The organization’s Executive Director for western and southwestern Colorado, Christie Caster, notes that heating devices and cooking activities are the primary culprits. She explains that space heaters, often left unattended, pose a significant danger if not used correctly.

Cooking fires are another leading cause of winter fire emergencies. With holiday gatherings and elaborate meals, kitchen fires are more common, especially from practices like frying turkeys or preparing large meals. The combination of heating and holiday cooking means the winter season brings added fire risks to many households.

Holiday Decorations and Electrical Overloads

Beyond heating and cooking, holiday decorations can also increase the risk of fires. Caster highlights that electric decorations, like Christmas lights, are a source of concern if used improperly. She advises families to take caution when plugging in multiple lights or appliances to avoid overloading electrical circuits, which can easily spark a fire.

Additional tips from the Red Cross include careful use of wood-fired furnaces, checking the condition of extension cords and surge protectors, and making sure all heating devices are turned off before going to bed.

Essential Winter Fire Safety Tips

The American Red Cross provides several practical tips for families to keep their homes safe from fires during the winter months:

• Space Heater Safety: Always turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed. Place them on flat, non-flammable surfaces and keep them at least three feet away from flammable items.
• Avoid Overloaded Circuits: Do not overload surge protectors or electrical outlets with holiday lights or other devices. Spread out connections across different outlets to reduce the risk of overheating.
• Safe Cooking Practices: When frying or cooking with oil, never leave the kitchen unattended. Fires can ignite quickly, and having a lid nearby can help extinguish small flames.
• Check Smoke Detectors: Ensure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your family in case of a fire.

These basic precautions, while simple, can be life-saving. A few seconds of awareness can prevent a disaster that would otherwise take minutes or hours to control.

The Impact of Winter Fires and Community Resources

The Red Cross and local fire departments are on high alert during winter, often seeing a surge in calls for help when heating equipment and holiday cooking are at their peak. The organization is prepared to assist families affected by fires and encourages everyone to take these warnings seriously to avoid preventable accidents.

For those who may face a fire emergency, local Red Cross chapters provide shelter, food, and other forms of relief. Additionally, fire departments in many areas offer resources and assistance with smoke detector installations and home safety checks.