Winter Home Safety: Start the Year Prepared
January | Winter Safety & Preparedness
January brings colder temperatures, increased heating use, and a greater risk of home fires and carbon monoxide exposure. This January, the Statesville Fire Department is focusing on simple, proactive steps that help prevent winter emergencies before they happen.
A few small safety habits can make a big difference during the coldest months of the year. Here are four key ways to protect your home and family this winter:
Practice Safe Heating Habits
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during colder months. Whether you use a central heating system, fireplace, or space heater, safety should always come first.
Winter Heating Safety Tips:
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets - never into extension cords or power strips. T
- urn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Have heating systems inspected and serviced regularly.
- Make sure fireplaces and chimneys are cleaned and maintained.
Heating your home safely helps reduce preventable fires during peak winter season. Learn more about Heating Safety here.
Protect Your Home from Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up when fuel-burning appliances are not operating properly. During winter, the risk increases due to heating equipment, fireplaces, and generators.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips:
- Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
- Never use generators, grills, or fuel-burning equipment inside a home or garage.
- Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
- If a CO alarm sounds, move outside to fresh air and call 911.
Working carbon monoxide alarms provide an early warning and can save lives. Learn more about Carbon Monoxide Safety here.
Read more about our Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program here.
Keep Space Heaters & Fireplaces Under Control
Supplemental heating devices require extra attention. Improper placement or unattended use can quickly create dangerous conditions.
Stay Safe by:
- Using space heaters with automatic shut-off features.
- Placing heaters on flat, stable surfaces.
- Using a sturdy screen in front of fireplaces.
- Allowing ashes to cool completely before disposal in a metal container.
- Keeping children and pets a safe distance from heating equipment.
A little extra caution goes a long way in preventing winter fires. Read more about Electric Portable Space Heater Safety here.
Prepare for Winter Weather & Power Outages
Winter storms can bring freezing rain, strong winds, and power outages. Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps your household safer.
Cold Weather Readiness Checklist:
- Keep flashlights and fresh batteries easily accessible.
- Avoid using candles during power outages - use battery-powered lighting instead.
- Have extra blankets and warm clothing available.
- Know how to safely shut off water if pipes freeze.
- Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with medical needs.
Preparation is a key - taking action before an emergency occurs. Read more about Fire Safety during Winter Storms here.
Prevention Starts at Home
Winter safety doesn’t require major changes - just consistent, intentional habits. Safe heating practices, working alarms, and basic preparedness can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related emergencies. This January, we encourage every household in Statesville to take a few minutes to review these safety steps.
Small actions today help prevent emergencies tomorrow.
View additional tips on our website at fire.statesvillenc.net/community-risk-reduction.
