BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – As cold weather sets in, homes and businesses heat up.
However, experts warn about the dangers associated with using heating systems and appliances and how to decorate safely for the holidays.
Since the end of October, the Bowling Green Fire Department said it has responded to 212 structure fire calls, with a recent increase in these types of calls.
While many investigations are still ongoing, BGFD generally says the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to make sure your smoke alarms are working.
“Make sure they are in every sleeping area and outside every sleeping area so that if something were to happen, you have the opportunity to get out,” said Katie McKee, public information officer for the Bowling Green Fire Department.
According to BGFD, people have about three minutes to leave their house once a fire breaks out.
Important items to clean and check as the winter season begins include chimneys and vents.
“This time of year people turn on the heat in their homes, so you can always make sure your vents are cleaned to avoid any type of burns,” McKee said.
And BGFD has numerous safety tips specifically for space heaters.
- Plug them directly into the power outlet.
- Unplug the power cord when leaving the room.
- Make sure they are at least three feet away from flammable items.
- Do not leave the space heater plugged in when sleeping.
Other tips from the fire department include:
- Do not connect more than two devices to one outlet at the same time.
- Blow out the candles when you leave the room.
- If you use an extension cord, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
McKee reminded people to also keep an eye on the foods they cook.
“Especially if you’re cooking with oils or fats of any kind, you don’t want to add water to this type of fire or it will just spread,” she said.
And as tedious as it may be, McKee said to unplug any devices you’re not using.
“If you don’t have to leave it plugged in, don’t.”
As for your Christmas decorations, those with a live tree should follow the moisture and care instructions provided to keep it from drying out. All trees must be at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, and radiators.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than one in five Christmas tree fires were caused by being too close to a heat source.
In addition, battery-operated candles and lights are the safest way to decorate the tree and house with them. According to the NFPA, more than a third of fires in home decorations are caused by candles.
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