Why do the majority of house fires occur in Winter?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Prevention is key to keeping a fire-safe home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more home fires occur during Winter than in any other season. As leaders in fire damage cleanup & restoration, the professionals at SERVPRO know a thing or two about fire prevention.

Let's discuss the top causes of house fires.

Cooking is the leading cause of fires year-round. Most cooking is done indoors throughout the colder months. Thus, the likelihood of a kitchen fire increases during Winter. Remember never to leave the kitchen unattended while cooking, especially when using hot appliances. Keep paper products, towels, potholders, and other flammable materials away from the stove and avoid grease buildup by cleaning your stove often.

Heating is the second-leading cause of home fires. Space heaters are responsible for a large portion of Winter fires. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip.

Many of us use candles to decorate our homes in Winter. Be mindful of the placement of your candles. Most house fires started by candles occur when combustible material is too close to the open flame. Remember to keep candles at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire. It is unwise to leave a candle unattended. Be sure to extinguish lit candles before going to sleep.

The majority of dryer fires start because homeowners fail to clean the dryer. A buildup of lint and other materials causes fires because the unit cannot release heat properly. That heat buildup becomes the fuel to a hazardous fire. To prevent a dryer fire, clean out lint filters each time you use your dryer. It is best to have your dryer vent and ductwork professionally cleaned once a year.

Electrical lighting is another common cause of house fires. As you decorate your home with lights, be mindful of manufacturer instructions. Avoid overloading your outlet or power strip. There is a limit to how many strands of string lights can be connected safely. Replace any string strands with frayed wires or a worn appearance. Most importantly, turn off Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

Prevention is key to keeping a fire-safe home. Now would be an excellent time to practice your fire escape plan with your family! Call SERVPRO of Burlington & Mt. Holly for immediate cleanup and restoration if you experience a house fire this Winter.