Home Fires: Tips to Keep New York Residents Safe This Winter

Let's talk about something important - keeping our homes safe from the risk of fire. I know of a couple of families that have lost EVERYTHING in a house fire in just the last few weeks.

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We all know how scary it can be to even think about a house fire and we should try and do everything that we can to prevent it. The Inspect Point Team has put together some insights into the most common causes of house fires and how we can avoid them.

Cooking Fires: Did you know that almost half of all house fires start in the kitchen? It's usually because someone leaves a pan alone on the stove or an open flame from a gas stove catches something on fire.

The top tip here is to never leave the kitchen when you're cooking, especially if you're using oil or high heat. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Heating Sources: As the months get colder, it's important to be very cautious with heaters. Whether it's a space heater or your furnace, make sure that there's nothing flammable close by, and don't leave them on when you're not around. Regular inspections are important in helping to keep everything in safe working condition.

Electrical Equipment: Old gadgets and frayed cords can be a fire hazard, also overloaded circuits are a big no-no. If you live in an older home, it's a good idea to have your wiring checked by a professional to avoid any potential problems.

Open Flames: Candles, cigarettes, and even your fireplace can be a risk if they're not handled with care. Blow out candles before leaving a room, keep cigarettes away from the bedroom (or quit), and always use a screen in front of your fireplace.

Intentional Fires: This one might be surprising, but about 8% of house fires are intentionally set. It's really important to keep matches and lighters out of reach of kids and teach them about fire safety.

This is a lot to take in, but it's all about being aware and making changes to keep ourselves and our homes safe. As the days get colder, we spend more time indoors, and that increases the chance of a fire Here are other ways to keep fire away from your home and the surrounding area.