Tips to avoid a house fire during the winter months

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As temperatures go down outside, you likely will turn up your temperature inside.

However, this seesaw can end in disaster if safety steps are not taken.

According to statistics from FEMA, over half of all house fires caused by heating devices occur between December to February.

With the outcome of this disaster being the complete loss of your property and possibly your life, Chattanooga Fire Marshal William Matlock says that preparation is everything.

Matlock said, “(We want to make) sure they are maintaining their heating units. Making sure they are servicing them, and making sure their combustibles are at least three feet away.”

Matlock says that every homeowner should have their heaters inspected once a year.

They should be on alert for signs of trouble, although it is not unusual to smell some burning when you use your heater for the first time this season.

Matlock said, “Usually you’ll have a slight odor where it’s the burning of the dust, particularly when it’s off, but it usually doesn’t last for more than 10-15 minutes. So if you still smell it, or notice anything else that is going on, as far as power surges or anything different that is happening, make sure you contact the Fire Department.”

No matter if you have a wall unit or a space heater, one key tip is to avoid placing furniture or curtains near these devices, to keep them at a distance of at least three feet.

Matlock said, “A lot of what we see is furniture will get pushed around during the summer months, people forget about them, the thermostat kicks on, and it starts a fire.”

Cooking is also a cause of numerous house fires during the Winter months, primarily as people prepare for their Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

Matlock said, “Set a reminder, set a timer on your phone, do something to always remember to check it… If you do, if you have a fire on the cooktop, keep a lid nearby, something you can put on it, cover it up. Turn the heat off. Turn the power off to the unit and just leave it alone, and call the Fire Department.”

Another cause of winter fires is overloading power strips with decorations and lights.

Matlock suggests making sure that power strips are at least UL rated.

He said, “A lot of these things are designed for temporary use. That means you plug it in for however long you are going to use it, and then unplug it.”

If your family does find itself in a house fire, make sure to get low to avoid smoke inhalation if stuck inside of the house.

You can also close doors to rooms where fires are occurring if you are trapped, and try to stuff any openings under doors with towels or blankets.

Most importantly, get out as quickly as possible, and call 9-1-1.

Matlock said, “Get out and stay out. Having that meeting place, and being prepared for when that event occurs is the most important thing for you and your family.”