Many of us cozy up indoors with blankets, heaters, and in front of the warm crackling fire, while also lighting candles to relax. However, did you know home fires are more common during the winter season than any other time of the year?
Heating equipment, candles, round-the-clock cooking, holiday decorations such as lights, are the most common cause of fires in the home, particularly over winter.
This means that the very things keeping us warm and happy can also pose risks that we need to be aware of and take precautions against.
As a caregiver, we have a responsibility on preventing household fires and how to respond safely as part of emergency planning. As most fires can be prevented, it’s important to review fire safety tips.
Follow these fire safety tips:
Maintain Fire Safety Check: This includes Fire Alarms or Smoke Alarm Testing (making sure it’s working), Know where Fire Extinguishers are located and know how to use, and know where extra Blankets and Sheets are kept in the home (a blanket can be thrown over the fire to extinguish the fire).
Note: Fire Extinguishers should be in your care client’s home. Make sure the location of the fire extinguisher is known to you and make sure it works.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a three-foot distance around space heaters, radiators, and other heating devices.
Check Electrical Outlets: Always turn off electrical devices such as portable heaters, candles, etc. before you sleep or leave your care client’s house to reduce risk of overheating and electrical fires. Avoid overloading outlets and power strips.
Regular Maintenance: Make sure your care client’s fireplace and chimney are clean and in good condition. Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen to catch any sparks. Allow fireplace ashes to cool completely before disposing of them.
Never ever leave candles unattended. Always extinguish the candles before leaving a room or to sleep. Should a fire start:
- Call 911
- Extinguish the fire if possible
- Escort your care client out of the home
- Confine the fire by closing doors of empty rooms to slow the spread of smoke and flames
