With the
National Weather Service of Mobile implementing a freeze warning tonight for Northwest Florida as temperatures begin to drop, Escambia County Fire Rescue encourages residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment. The NWS is forecasting temperatures to get into the lower 30s and 20s tonight and remain below average throughout the work week.
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association,
heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
"As cold air rushes into our area, space heaters and fire places will be used. Most heating fires can be prevented from happening by following simple tips," said Ray Melton, Escambia County Fire Rescue fire and life safety specialist. "ECFR wants to remind our citizens that space heaters, furnaces and fire places should all be checked prior to use. Last year during a cold period, ECFR responded to several chimney fires that displaced residents."
While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers.
Escambia County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with the Pensacola Fire Department, will launch its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign Tuesday, Dec. 1. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
For Fireplaces and Wood Stoves:
- Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out.
- Do not burn paper in your fireplace or wood stove.
- Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
- Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, atleast 3 feet from your home.
- Make sure your wood stove is 3 feet from anything that can burn.
Source: FEMA- U.S. Fire Administration
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
Practicing these home heating safety tips will help keep our community safe and warm during the winter months. Knowing what to do now is key to having a safe home. For more heating safety tips and fire safety information, visit
NFPA.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives! For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.
