Winter Fire Safety Tips

The number of home fires significantly increases during the winter, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Take these simple precautions to help reduce the risk of fire in your home.

Fireplaces

Have the chimney checked annually for creosote buildup
Install a sturdy screen to prevent flying sparks
Keep flammables (paper, cloth) at least three feet away
Extinguish the fire before leaving home or going to bed

Space heaters

Place on a level, non-flammable surface like brick or ceramic
Use a model with automatic shutoff if the heater tips over
Keep flammables at least three feet away
Keep children and pets a safe distance away
Turn it off when leaving the room or going to bed

Candles

Insert the candle into a holder with a solid base
Keep flammables at least one foot away
Never leave candle unattended
Consider using battery-operated candles

Cooking

Never leave the stove unattended
Keep flammable items away from stove
Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing near stove
Open windows slightly and use exhaust fans to circulate kitchen air

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.

References:

NFPA. Fire Safety Tips For Cold Weather. https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires.
FEMA Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fireplace_woodstove_safety_card.pdf.