Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires.
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Here is everything you need to know about keeping your family and home safe from fire this winter season!
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Facts About Home Heating Fire
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From 2017-2019, an average of 34,200 home heating fires occurred in the United States each year.
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Heating was the second leading cause of home fires after cooking.
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Home heating fires peaked in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 p.m. with the highest peak between 6 and 8 p.m.
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Home heating fires peaked in January (20%) and declined to the lowest point from June to August.
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Confined fires accounted for 77% of home heating fires.
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27% of the non-confined home heating fires happened because the heat source (like a space heater or fireplace) was too close to things that can burn.
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Your Tree & Safety - Quick Tips
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Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heaters.
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Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
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Never use your oven to heat your home.
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Always use the right kind of fuel for fuel burning space heaters.
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Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
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Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
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Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
