12/20/11 Cold weather and family gatherings for the holidays are prime triggers for home fires. According to the U.S. fire Administration (USFA) an estimated 108,400 home fires occur in the U.S. each winter. Approximately one-third of home fires and home fire deaths occur during December, January, and February. A twenty-one percent increase in cooking – related fires was documented between 2006 and 2010 by the USFA. Cooking remains the leading cause of residential fire – related injuries especially during standard meal times. Other household items that can lead to accidental fires during this time of year include: space heaters, candles, and burning items other that wood…such as trash and cardboard in a fire place.
Two-thirds of all home fire deaths occurred in residences without working smoke detectors.
As a way to decrease accidental home fires, encourage family members and friends to check the smoke detectors and change the batteries. Be prepared to treat burns of varying degree during the holidays and review procedures for burn care.
Additional winter fire safety information may be obtained at www.usfa.fema.gov
