Heat fires

Do you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, heating is the second leading cause of house fires, injuries, and deaths in the United States? You can help prevent heat fires by:

• Keeping flammable items at least three feet from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
• Plugging in only one heat-producing appliance at a time. This includes microwaves, space heaters, toasters, and even coffee pots.
• If you have a fireplace, have a professional inspect and clean the chimney and vents yearly.

Holiday decor-related fires

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa inspire many people to decorate their homes. Unfortunately, many of decorations can be fire hazards. Here’s how you can make your home both festive and safe:

• Candles should be at least 12 inches away from flammable items.
• Christmas trees should always be at least three feet away from fireplaces, candles, space heaters, heat vents, and other heat sources.
• Dispose of Christmas trees when they’re dry.
• When connecting strands of lights, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how many you can daisy-chain, or connect in a row.

We hope these tips help your family stay safe during the upcoming winter months. In addition to taking the steps to safeguard your house against a fire, now is also an excellent time for a checkup of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Visit the MIDFLORIDA Insurance Services website for a free quote today.