The Wednesday tip for Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week deals with home fire safety. Polk County Deputy Cole Lundeen says alternative ways of heating homes can lead to fires. “The high cost of heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternative methods of home heating,” said Lundeen. “Wood burning stoves are growing in popularity and space heaters are selling rapidly or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All of these methods of heating may be acceptable but without caution, they are a major contributing factor to residential fires.”
The kitchen can be the most dangerous room in the home explains Lundeen. “Families and guests tend to gather in the kitchen but it can be the most hazardous room in the house if you don’t practice safe cooking behavior,” said Lundeen. “Careless use of cooking equipment, usually a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Always have somebody watching the stove.”
Following simple safety instructions with holiday lights and decorating can also help prevent fires explains Lundeen. “Holiday decorating goes a long way to help brighten up our wintery days and long nights,” said Lundeen. “Unfortunately, decorations become a significant hazard if not use carefully. An estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year across the U.S. By following a few simple safety tips on electric lights, candles, and Christmas trees you can avoid creating a tragedy. Learn what to do to avoid a fire, or in case of a fire in your home.”
