Fire Prevention & Safety

• September 7, 2022
• Safety

The time to think about fire prevention safety is always, but especially as the weather starts to cool down and the time to turn on your home heating equipment arrives. Whether you rely on a central heating unit, portable space heater, wood-burning stove, or gas fireplace, each poses a potential fire risk if not properly installed, maintained, and operated. Taking proactive fire safety measures can help protect your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind.

Did you know … Nearly half of all home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February—when heating equipment is used most intensively.

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Fire Prevention Safety Tips for Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. Use this checklist to help prevent fire hazards and keep your household safe:

• Make sure all heating equipment is professionally installed and vented according to local codes and manufacturer instructions.
• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm. Test them once a month and replace them every 10 years.
• Keep flammable materials—like paper, wood, and fabric—at least three feet away from all heating units.
• Establish a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Schedule annual chimney and vent inspections and cleanings by a qualified/certified professional every year.
• Only use the recommended fuel for your heating source.
• Dispose of ashes properly. Scoop cooled ashes into a metal container and store away from your home.
• Install a spark screen in front of the fireplace.
• Make sure that you have a properly installed chimney cap.
• Remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

For more fire prevention resources, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website and explore their comprehensive safety tip sheets.

Resources for You

• Find More Fire Prevention Safety Tip Sheets
• The National Fire Protection Association has resources and tools on many fire-related topics.

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Smoke Alarms: Your First Line of Defense

Smoke alarms are a critical component of fire safety, offering early warning and precious time to escape. The NFPA reports:

• Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are a critical part of fire prevention and safety in the home, giving you an early warning so you and your family can get outside quickly.

Here’s how to maximize their effectiveness:

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Check the manufacture date on the back; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date
• Test alarms monthly to ensure functionality.
• Use interconnected alarms—when one sounds, they all do.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep them away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

Be sure to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home—including the basement.

Don’t wait. Check the date. Replace outdated smoke alarms today.

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Treating Burn Injuries: Know When to Seek Help

No matter the fire safety precautions you put in place, there is always the potential of someone suffering a burn injury. First-degree burns can be extremely painful, and third-degree burns can be life-threatening. If you or a family member suffers a burn, whether from a fire or other hot appliances, seek medical attention immediately.

Read: What You Need to Know About Burn Injuries

Have you suffered a serious burn or other injuries due to defective or malfunctioning heating equipment? Contact us at (877) 284-6600.

If your injury was caused by defective or malfunctioning heating equipment, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our team at (877) 284-6600 for a free consultation.

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Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

When you’re seriously injured in an accident, you deserve an experienced personal injury lawyer who listens, investigates thoroughly, and fights for the compensation you’re owed. At Nash & Franciskato, we’ve helped countless accident victims recover damages for injuries caused by negligence.

Call us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case review. One of our experienced personal injury attorneys will speak with you personally and help you understand your legal options.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR CASE

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 11, 2016. It was reviewed on September 5, 2022, updated for content and accuracy, and re-published on September 7, 2022. Last editing of the post was September 29, 2025.

Photo Credits:

• monkeybusiness(Monkey Business) – Image File – via depositphotos.com
• photography33(Angel Nieto) – Image File – via depositphotos.com
• Wavebreakmedia(Sean Prior) – Image File – via depositphotos.com