Although Chicago still has a few days with temperatures over 70 degrees to look forward to, according to the National Weather Service, nighttime temperatures are now slipping into the 40s as the U.S. heads into National Fire Prevention Week.
With colder weather hitting Chicago and other U.S. cities, many households will start breaking out space heaters or burning logs in their fireplace. When heating equipment comes out, the risk of a structure fire goes up.
An estimated average of 48,530 fires involving heating equipment were reported each year from 2014 to 2018, according to the National Fire Protection Association, equivalent to one out of every seven home structure fires. Thankfully, fire departments across the country provide tips for staying warm and staying safe.
In Chicago, the fire department offers a variety of fire safety guidelines, including seven tips specifically for portable heaters, which are:
1. Keeping all sides of the heater at least three feet from beds, clothes, curtains, papers, sofas and other potentially flammable items
2. Never running a heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting and never powering a heater with an extension cord or power strip
3. Making sure heaters are not near water and never touching a heater while wet
4. Always keeping the heater on a stable, level surface where it will not be knocked over
5. Never leaving heaters operating unattended or during sleep
6. Disconnecting heaters if their cords are hot to the touch and contacting an authorized repair person if any part of an outlet a heater was connected to is hot
7. Check SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled before plugging it in
In New York City, Michael Kozo – New York City Fire Department captain and commanding officer of the FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Unit – provided the HuffPost this week with a list of 13 essential safety items people should have on hand in case a fire does break out in their home.
These items include:
1. Working smoke alarms for every room
2. Carbon monoxide alarms on every level
3. 9-volt batteries to keep alarms running
4. Firefighter alert stickers with a list of every person and pet that might be in a home
5. Two fire extinguishers
6. Fire escape ladders, especially for those who live in homes with more than one floor or an upper floor of a building
7. A fireproof safe for valuables
8. A fireproof file folder for important documents
9. A waterproof pill organizer for necessary medications
10. Portable, easy-to-carry pet supplies
11. A first-aid kit
12. An emergency toiletry bag
13. Waterproof flashlights and batteries
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