Holiday House Fires Can Happen To You

There is never a good time for a fire at your home but it seems to be even more devastating when a fire occurs around the holidays. Most fires are highly preventable and a large part of preventing a fire in your home is simply understanding that fires can happen to anyone. It is not always an unknown neighbor and it can happen to you!

Understanding that fire could happen to you is the first step to thinking about fire safety. That is even more important this time of year as fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of fire in winter. Winter fires can be prevented!

Facts about home heating fires

· From 2013-2015, an average of 45,900 home heating fires occurred in the United States each year. These fires caused an annual average of approximately 205 deaths, 725 injuries and $506 million in property loss.

· Heating was the second leading cause of home fires after cooking.

· Home heating fires peaked in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m. This four-hour period accounted for 29 percent of all home heating fires.

· Home heating fires peaked in January (21 percent) and declined to the lowest point from June to August.

· Confined fires — fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners — accounted for 75 percent of home heating fires.

· Twenty-nine percent of the non-confined home heating fires — fires that spread past the object of origin — happened because the heat source (like a space heater or fire place) was too close to things that can burn.

Follow these heating tips to help prevent winter fires and to stay safe this winter season:

· Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.

· Never use an oven to heat your home.

· Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

· Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.

Holiday Decoration Fires

Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source. It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.

• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
• Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch on fire easily.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.

Home fire safety is everyone’s responsibly. Fires can be devastating resulting in the loss of life and property. Don’t let a fire ruin you holidays – think fire safety! Let’s keep this holiday season Merry, bright and fire free in Urbandale!

This message is provided by FEMA, the US Fire Administration and the Urbandale Fire Department.