Winter Home Safety: Protecting What Matters Most

February may be the shortest month of the year, but winter risks are still very present. Heating systems are working hard, families are spending more time indoors, and kitchens are busy with gatherings and game-day meals.

As part of our ongoing Community Risk Reduction efforts, the Statesville Fire Department encourages residents to focus on three critical areas this month: carbon monoxide awareness, cooking safety, and working smoke alarms.

Here are four simple ways to keep your home safer this winter:

Know the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the “silent danger” because it is colorless and odorless. It can build up quickly if fuel-burning appliances are not operating properly.

What to Know:

• CO is produced by furnaces, fireplaces, gas appliances, generators, and vehicles.
• Early symptoms of exposure may include headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
• High levels can become life-threatening quickly.

Prevention Tips:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
• Test alarms monthly.
• Never run vehicles inside garages, even with the door open.
• Never use generators or grills indoors or in enclosed spaces.

If your CO alarm sounds, move outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Learn more about our Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program here.

Cook with Caution

Cooking remains one of the leading causes of home fires year-round - and winter months often mean more indoor meals and gatherings.

Safe Cooking Habits:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying or broiling.
• Keep anything that can burn (oven mitts, paper towels, food packaging) away from stovetops.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from cooking areas.
• If a small grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat - never use water.

Simple attention and awareness in the kitchen can prevent most cooking fires. View more Cooking Safety Tips here.

Make Sure Smoke Alarms Are Working

Working smoke alarms provide early warning during a fire - giving you valuable time to get out safely.

Smoke Alarm Checklist:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
• Test alarms once a month.
• Replace batteries as needed.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

If you’re unsure about the age or condition of your alarms, now is a good time to check.  Learn more about our Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program here.

Have a Plan - and Practice It

Preparedness is just as important as prevention. Every household should have a home fire escape plan.

Your Plan Should Include:

• Two ways out of every room.
• A designated meeting place outside.
• Practice drills at least twice a year.
• A reminder to get out and stay out - never re-enter a burning building.

When smoke alarms sound, every second counts. Practicing ahead of time helps everyone respond calmly and quickly. Learn more Escape Planning Tips here.

A Safer Winter Starts with Small Steps

Winter home safety isn’t about big changes - it’s about consistent habits. Testing alarms, staying alert while cooking, and understanding carbon monoxide risks can significantly reduce preventable emergencies.

The Statesville Fire Department remains committed to helping our community stay safe through proactive education and prevention. Take a few minutes this month to check your alarms, review your escape plan, and reinforce safe cooking habits.

Small actions today help protect what matters most tomorrow.

View additional tips on our website at fire.statesvillenc.net/community-risk-reduction.