Christmas and the holiday season is here.
Large family gatherings will lead to a lot of cooking, and some frigid temperatures in the forecast will call for the use of various types of heaters.
Those, and other activities, often contribute to a higher rate of house fires, Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said. "The proper se of appropriate heating sources is vital for survival during the colder temperatures we are expecting in the coming days," Chaney said. "It takes just one spark. Whether it is a space heater plugged into and overheating an extension cord incapable of handling such voltage or blankets too close to sparks from a fireplace, a fire can start in a moment and end a life in seconds. Using common sense when it comes to heating safety saves both lives and property."
We at The Enterprise-Tocsin wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
And, we also wanted to share some tips from the state fire marshal on some things that could help prevent a house fire.
From the State Fire Marshal
Critical to fire safety for any home is the installation and use of working smoke alarms, as a working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half.
Should a fire break out in the home, Chaney stressed that every home should have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and DO NOT RE-ENTER THE HOME UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
To create a plan for your family use this Escape Plan Grid (https://tinyurl.com/yac6q42b) from the National Safety Council.
The peak time for home heating fires is between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Fire safety education and preventing fire deaths continue to be priority goals of the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Citizens preparing for the coming cold temperatures need to follow these heating fire safety tips from the State Fire Marshal's Office to protect their homes and families:
· All heating equipment should be UL® approved, cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional prior to being used each year.
· Remember to keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters.
· Inspect the space heater's power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Proper cleaning is essential and should be done regularly.
· Never use space heaters while you sleep, when you are away from home, or in areas where children may be without adult supervision.
· Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip-over shut-off switch.
· Use only traditional heating equipment.
· Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. Kerosene is a poor choice for heating as it will give off poisonous fumes.
· Have chimney flues cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel.
· Have a spark screen that is age appropriate for all individuals using any area heated by a fireplace.
· Burn only approved materials in a fireplace or wood-burning stove; never burn paper or trash in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
Also, be a good neighbor. Check with the elderly or relatives and friends who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety. If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets.
For more fire safety information and tips follow @MSInsuranceDept and @msfiresafe on Twitter and Facebook.
