Protect Your Home This Winter: Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Preventing Chimney Fires, Using Extension Cords & Space Heaters Safely, and Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Home is where we feel safest, but without the right precautions, it can also be the site of serious hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires result in thousands of injuries and billions in property damage each year. Many of these incidents are preventable. Whether you’re heating your home, decorating for the holidays, or just going about daily life, awareness and simple safety practices can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips focused on four common household dangers: chimney fires, extension cord misuse, space heaters, and carbon monoxide.
1. Preventing Chimney Fires
Chimney fires can be intense and destructive, often sparked by a buildup of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, follow these steps:
Tips:
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified professional.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood—wet or green wood increases creosote buildup.
- Install a chimney cap to prevent debris, animals, or rain from entering.
- Watch for warning signs like a strong odor, black soot around the fireplace, or a rumbling sound when in use.
- Use a fireplace screen to prevent embers from escaping and igniting nearby objects.
2. Safe Use of Extension Cords
Extension cords are convenient but often overused or misused, leading to overheating or electrical fires.
Tips:
- Never overload an extension cord. Check the cord’s wattage rating and ensure the total load doesn’t exceed it.
- Use cords with a grounded three-prong plug and ensure they’re UL-listed.
- Avoid running cords under rugs, doors, or furniture—heat can build up, and wear and tear becomes invisible.
- Use the right cord for the job. Outdoor cords are built to withstand weather; indoor cords are not.
- Unplug cords when not in use and inspect regularly for fraying or damage.
3. Space Heater Safety
Space heaters are a common source of winter warmth—and fire. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) attributes thousands of home fires each year to portable heaters.
Tips:
- Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable: curtains, bedding, furniture, or paper.
- Use heaters with automatic shut-off features that trigger if the unit tips over.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet—not an extension cord or power strip.
- Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.
- Choose newer models that meet current safety standards and have certification labels.
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. It’s produced by appliances that burn fuel—like furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces.
Tips:
- Install CO detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
- Never use generators or grills inside your home, basement, or garage—even with open doors or windows.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a qualified technician.
- Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and chest pain. If you suspect a leak, get fresh air and call 911 immediately.
Resources:
- If you need your carbon monoxide or smoke detectors checked, and live in Barnstable, call 508-362-3312. If you reside in a different Cape town, you may call their non-emergency number and inquire about this service.
