The safe way to heat your home while preventing accidental fires

BONHAM, Texas (KXII) – The Bonham Fire Department shares 5 key tips that can keep your home warm while preventing a fire.

Tip 1: The Consumer Product Safety Commission says portable heaters are responsible for about 1,700 fires a year and can lead to death. If you must use one, Chief Chris Hughes says there is a proper way to secure them.

“Make sure it’s sitting on a flat surface,” Hughes said. “Make sure you don’t use an extension cord and if it’s plugged directly into the outlet, make sure there are no flammable clothing or objects near the heat source that could ignite.

Tip 2: Another disastrous duo, a space heater paired with an extension cord. According to their manuals, Hughes recommends not using them together.

“These devices are designed to work with a supplied cable and link,” Hughes said. “Every time you add an extension cord, it goes against the manufacturer’s recommendations and safe operating procedure. It could overload the electrical circuit.”

Tip 3: If you plan to relax by the fireplace or use candles for extra warmth, don’t leave it unattended.

“We recommend inspecting it once a year,” Hughes said. “This includes the fireplace insert and chimney. If you must use an open flame as a heat source, make sure the fire is never unattended and make sure there are no flammable objects within several meters of the heat source.”

Tip 4: One way you can plan ahead of a home heater catching fire is by checking your smoke alarm twice a year. Hughes recommends doing this during the biannual time change.

“In addition to smoke detectors, we recommend that all homes have a carbon monoxide detector located in or near rooms where people sleep and on all levels of the home,” he said.

Tip 5: Finally, in the event of a power outage, a generator can be a life-saving friend or a life-killing foe, depending on its use.

“If your generator it is portable, make sure it is not operated in the house or even in the garage. make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from the residence in a ventilated area,” Hughes said.

As always, if something catches fire in your home, call 911.