Winter Fire Safety Tips for Minnesota Homes

Common Causes of House Fires in Winter

Candles

Every year, an estimated 23,600 residential fires are caused by candles, leading to serious injuries and losses. This peaks during the winter months, with December being the most dangerous month of all. Perhaps not surprisingly, the top two days for candle fires are Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Space Heaters

Many Minnesotans use space heaters to add extra heat to their homes during the winter. When space heaters are left on too long or placed too close to flammable materials, the resulting fire can be devastating.

Fireplaces

Wood stoves and fireplaces are another common cause of Minnesota house fires. Sparks or coals falling out of fireplaces can quickly start a fire. If the fireplace isn’t inspected or cleaned, creosote buildup can also cause chimney fires.

Cooking Accidents

Cooking is a leading cause of home fires, especially during the major holidays when kitchen activity increases. Frying, broiling, and grilling food can all become dangerous if a heat source is left unattended or a flame is allowed to spread.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a beloved holiday tradition, but they can also act as giant tinderboxes. If a dry tree catches fire, the flames can engulf the tree and spread to the rest of the home in moments. Outdated Christmas lights and other electrical wires can start these fires and cause a disaster before you know it.

Inspect Heaters and Fireplaces

Before the start of the winter season, you should always have your furnace, fireplace, and chimney inspected and cleaned to ensure they can operate safely. Failing to do so could leave you unaware of serious fire hazards hidden in your home.

Practice Fireplace Safety

When using a fireplace, only burn seasoned hardwood that has dried for at least six months. Avoid burning treated wood, cardboard, or trash, as those can release harmful chemicals and increase creosote buildup. Use a metal mesh screen or glass doors to prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room.

Use Space Heaters with Caution

When using a space heater, always keep it at least three feet away from flammable materials and never leave it unattended. Plug it directly into a wall outlet – NOT an extension cord or power strip, as those can overheat. If possible, opt for a new model with automatic shutoff features to avoid dangerous prolonged heat.

Consider an Artificial Tree

Artificial Christmas trees are generally less flammable than live trees, so consider going that route. If you use a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and green when you bring it home. Water it daily to keep it from drying out, as dry trees are highly flammable and can ignite in seconds. Keep the tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, or other heat sources.

Check Your Decorative Lights

Inspect all decorative lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections before using them. Only use lights that are UL-certified, and never string together more than three sets of lights. When decorating outdoors, ensure the lights are rated for outdoor use and secure them correctly to prevent damage from wind or moisture.

Use Candles Wisely

Candles add a warm, inviting glow to your home, but they can easily lead to fires if left unattended. Use flameless candles whenever possible. If you do use traditional candles, keep them away from flammable materials, place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Above all, never leave a candle unattended. Always extinguish the flame before leaving the house or going to bed.

Safe Cooking Habits

Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires, particularly during the busy holiday season. To keep your kitchen safe, never leave food cooking on the stove unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the burners or have someone else watch the food.

Keep flammable items, like dish towels, paper towels, and food packaging, far away from cooking appliances. Use timers to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on, and avoid distractions like watching television or using your phone.

Maintain Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are essential for early fire detection and can save lives. Make sure you have alarms installed on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly, and replace the batteries at least once a year. If your smoke alarm emits a chirping sound, replace the battery immediately.

Smoke alarms don’t last forever – replace them every 10 years to ensure they work as intended.

Exercise Caution with Alternative Heating Methods

During power outages or frigid temperatures, alternative heating methods can be a lifesaver – but they must be used carefully. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. These appliances are not designed for prolonged heating and can create a fire hazard.

If you’re using a portable generator, follow all manufacturer instructions. Generators should always be used outdoors and far from windows or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Develop a Fire Escape Plan

A fire escape plan is crucial for ensuring everyone in your household knows how to react in an emergency. Map out two ways to exit each room in your home, such as a door and a window.

Designate a safe meeting place outside, such as a mailbox or a neighbor’s driveway, where everyone can gather. Practice the plan with your family at least twice a year to ensure it becomes second nature.

Experiencing a house fire can be overwhelming, but knowing how to respond can save lives and minimize damage. Follow these steps if a fire occurs in your home:

• Stay calm: At the first sign of fire, do your best to remain calm so you can think clearly and act quickly.
• Alert everyone: Shout out to alert others in the house. If it is safe to do so, activate the nearest fire alarm to warn others.
• Evacuate immediately: Leave your home immediately using the nearest safe exit. Do not waste time collecting personal belongings.
• Watch for smoke: If smoke is present, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Cover your nose and mouth if possible to cut down on smoke inhalation.
• Check door handles for heat: Before opening doors, feel them with the back of your hand. If a door is hot, do not open it – use an alternative exit. Opening the door could cause the fire to rush in without warning.
• Avoid elevators: If you live in a multi-story building (such as an apartment complex), use the stairs to exit. Never use elevators during a fire.
• Close doors: If it is possible and safe, close doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire. However, do not do this if others may be evacuating after you.
• If trapped, signal for help: If you cannot exit safely, close all doors between you and the fire. Place a wet towel under the door to prevent smoke from entering. Call 911 to inform them of your location. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth, or use a flashlight to signal for help.
• Stop, drop, and roll: If your clothing catches fire, stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over back and forth to extinguish the flames.
• Call emergency services: Once you are safely outside, call 911 immediately. Provide the dispatcher with accurate information about the location and severity of the fire to expedite the arrival of emergency personnel.
• Do not re-enter: Never re-enter a burning building for any reason. Wait for professional firefighters to handle the situation.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the Minnesota winter while keeping your home safe from fire hazards. Even precautions that seem minor may save lives and prevent devastating losses.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a house fire, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At SiebenCarey, we’re here to help you navigate your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today, and let us help you rebuild.