Winter and the holiday season are officially around the corner. For some people, this means that there will be more time shared with family and friends.

During the winter months, home fires are more prevalent than in summer and spring seasons.
This is due to the increased amounts of family cooking, decorating, and harsh winter weather which all contribute to an increased risk of hazards.

Follow these safety tips from Lake Stevens Fire to help you and your family stay safe during the winter season:

• Keep a three foot “safe zone” around all heaters and fireplaces.
• Have your heating system tuned up each year.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, paying close attention to nose, ears, feet and hands.
• Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Don’t try to thaw pipes or spigots with heat guns or blow torches. Heat can build up inside the walls and start a fire.
• Keep a winter emergency kit in your car that includes blanket, gloves, shovel, etc. See wsdot.wa.gov for a detailed list.
• Keep lit candles away from anything that can burn and make sure they are in a sturdy, fireproof holder. Blow out candles when you leave a room.
• Make sure Christmas trees, real or artificial, are at least 3 feet from heat sources.
• Add water to real Christmas trees daily. Dispose of trees after Christmas or when dry. Dried out trees are fire dangers and should not be left in or near your house.
• Never use the stove, oven or BBQ as a source of heat. BBQs should never be used inside the home as it will cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If there is a power outage and you have a generator, never use the generator from inside your home.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.
• Have a fire escape plan in place and make sure everyone in your home knows where your meeting place is outside of the house.

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