Precautions need to be taken throughout winter season, to cut down on the annual increase in home fires at this time of the year. Courtesy photo

KEARNEYSVILLE — With the arrival of winter comes the inevitable increase in-home fire risks. And, according to Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Public Information Officer Jennifer Walters, that risk is something local residents need to educate themselves about.

Last Friday, Walters sent out a press release detailing the importance of public awareness regarding this matter, noting that half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December through February every year, according to data collected by the National Fire Protection Association.

“Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management reminds the residents of Jefferson County about the safety measures to follow, while temperatures are becoming colder,” Walters said. “Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater. Never use your oven to heat your home. Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.”

Walters noted that fireplace safety measures should be prioritized, as well.

“A portable ethanol burning fireplace, and its fuel, should only be used by adults. Clean up any fuel spillage and be sure all liquid has evaporated before lighting the fireplace,” Walters said. “Light the fireplace using a utility lighter or long match. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool, before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

“It’s a good idea to crack a window open for a fresh supply of air,” Walters said, mentioning whenever residents are incapable of attending to the fireplace, they should make sure it is inactive. “Extinguish the flame when you leave the room, home or go to sleep. Allow the device to cool down for at least 15 minutes before refueling.”

According to Walters, heating equipment also needs to be treated carefully.

“Install wood burning stoves following the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation,” Walters said. “All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.”

The smell of gas should alert residents to take immediate action, she added.

“If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance,” Walters said. “Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

“Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year — at least once during the day and once during the night — with everyone in the household, including guests,” Walters said. “Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily. Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.”

Home fire safety tips will be posted throughout the winter season on the Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Facebook and Twitter accounts, Walters said. More relevant information can be found at www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Put-A-Freeze-on-Winter-Fires.