As residents look for cost-effective ways to warm their homes in winter, many unfortunately turn to heating sources that carry greater fire risk than traditional sources. Improper use of these devices, including space heaters, fireplaces, and wood and coal stoves, is a leading cause of costly - and deadly - fires.
According to the American Red Cross of Vermont and the New Hampshire Upper Valley, most of the approximately 140 local disasters they responded to in 2011 were preventable winter home fires.
Doug Bishop, a local Red Cross spokesman, says the most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards, be sure to have working smoke detectors, and to prepare and practice a fire escape plan.
Here are the American Red Cross of Vermont and the New Hampshire Upper Valley's recommendations to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe from fire:
• Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves. Have a professional inspect and clean your chimney connections and flues prior to heating season. Use a sturdy screen when burning fires. Only burn wood, never paper or pine boughs. Never leave the fire unattended. Do not hang holiday decorations on your fireplace if this is also a heating source.
• Check smoke detectors. Install new batteries in your smoke detectors, and test them to make sure they work.
• Do not overuse electrical outlets. Make sure electrical outlets and surge protectors aren't overloaded with heating sources, appliances, or holiday decorations. Keep walkways clear of extension cords.
• Take care with portable space heaters. Place space heaters at least three feet away from any combustible material, such as wallpaper, bedding and clothing. Do not leave children or pets unattended near space heaters, as they could get burned. Never leave space heaters on when you are leave the room or go to bed. Do not dry mittens or other clothing on or above space heaters, as this is a shock and fire hazard. Buy only space heaters advertising automatic shutoffs in the event they tip over.
• Use generators carefully. Always operate portable generators outside, never inside, including in the basement or garage.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
• Create a disaster supplies kit. Stock easy-to-reach lifesaving items in both your home and vehicle. For a list of recommended items, visit www.redcross.org.
• In the event of a house fire, get out, stay out, and then call for help.
• Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan, and practice that plan twice a year.
According to Bishop, 65 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes lacking working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a well-rehearsed fire escape plan can save lives.