The warm weather is gone, and the cooler weather is here, but that does not mean we are no longer at risk for home fires. The most significant home fire risks for winter are:
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc., do not burn entirely. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during winter, so this is a big one to watch out for.
Winter Storms
Just like summer storms, winter storms can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Despite the colder weather, house fires occur more in the winter than in other seasons. Home heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported house fires and one in every five house fire deaths.
Generators
Portable generators can pose life-threatening risks such as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock, electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a Consumer Product Safety Commission report
, about half of all generator-related deaths happen from November through February.
Candles
Candles are much more commonly used during the holidays and winter; therefore, candle fires are more prevalent during these months. Christmas day is actually the peak day for candle fires. Always make sure you blow out your candles before leaving the home and practice efficient candle safety.
Electrical
Electrical fires are the leading cause of home fires each year across America. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment involved about half of all home electrical fires, while almost another half involved other equipment such as washers or dryer fans.