JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. As you stay cozy and warm this winter, be fire smart, as heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months.
FACTS
- Half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February.
- One in every seven home fires and one in every five home fire deaths involves heating equipment.
- Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candle fires in each of these months. Each year between 2015-2019, an average of 7,400 home candle fires were reported each year.
- Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary heaters.
SAFETY TIPS
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators or space heaters.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.
- Keep portable generators outside, away from windows and as far away from your home as possible.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
- Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into an electrical outlet at a time.
- Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance.
- Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.
For more information about heating safety, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website at www.nfpa.org/education or contact our fire prevention offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 210-221-2727, at JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-2921, or at JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-6915.