GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The use of fireplaces, space heaters and other devices seems to increase the number of house fires in the winter.
That is according to Grand Rapids Fire Chief Bill Smith. He was a guest on West Michigan's Morning News. He told WOOD Radio there are more hazards in our homes nowadays. And the fires tend to start faster and burn hotter.
He offers some practical advice.
"Plan your escape, have a common meeting place and, if you have a fire in your home, don't go back in once you're out," Smith said.
As for some of the things that cause fires, unattended cooking, improper use or disposal of smoking material and heat too close to combustible items.
Space heaters that are left unattended are a major problem, too.
"Shut them off," Smith said. "And also close the door. If you're in the basement and you come back up, close that door to the basement. And, also, before you retire for the evening make sure your heaters are shut down and you close the doors before you go."
Here is a news release sent by the Grand Rapids Fire Department:
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As the holiday season approaches, the Grand Rapids Fire Department is reminding residents to stay safe by following key fire prevention tips.
“Your family and the Fire Department share the same goal: keeping everyone safe this holiday season,” Fire Marshal Bill Smith said. “Fires don’t take holidays, and most of them can be prevented. We ask that you stay alert when cooking, handle smoking materials responsibly and keep heat sources away from anything that can burn. These small steps save lives.”
The top three causes of home fires in Grand Rapids are:
- Unattended cooking
- Improper disposal of smoking materials
- Heat too close to things that can burn, including electrical issues
To help prevent fires this holiday season, Fire Marshal Smith offers the following advice:
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Never leave food unattended on the stove, especially when frying or boiling. Fires can start quickly and spread fast.
- Be careful with smoking materials. Use metal or glass ashtrays. Never throw ashes or cigarette butts into plants or outside near dry leaves.
- Use space heaters safely. Keep heaters away from curtains, furniture and blankets. Turn them off before going to bed. Plug heaters directly into outlets and avoid extension cords or multi-plug adapters.
- Choose flameless candles. LED candles are safer, especially if you have children or pets.
- Keep holiday greenery fresh. Water your Christmas tree often. If needles fall off easily or branches snap, remove the tree from your home.
- Be smart with electronics and battery-powered gifts. Before buying tools or toys with lithium-ion batteries, check that they’re UL-listed or approved by a safety group. Follow instructions for charging and storing them.
- Make sure your home has the appropriate number of working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
The Grand Rapids Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and joyful holiday season.
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