How to protect yourself from a house fire this winter
“Just 20, 30 years ago, you'd have 17 to 20 minutes to get out, and now you have less than three," Captain Christina Bramlett said.
FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – There are many different ways to keep warm during the cold winter months, but it’s important to take precautions to reduce the risk of a fire.
Whether you’re using space heaters, electric blankets or candles this winter, there are many heat sources that pose the threat of a house fire.
That’s why it’s important to take precautions to reduce the risk of fire and have a plan for you and your family’s safety.
According to Captain Christina Bramlett with the Monroe County Fire Department, modern electronics and furniture are much more flammable than in previous decades.
“All of our furnishings these days are basically bundled petroleum products with the microfibers and the synthetic fibers,” Bramlett said. “Those are going to catch a lot faster than any type of cotton furnishing would.”
Bramlett advises keeping flammable material at least three feet away from a heat source. If you’re using a generator, you should keep it a minimum of 30 feet away from your home.
She also says to always keep an eye on heat sources like cooking appliances or candles.
“Everyone loves candles,” she said. “They make beautifully scented candles now, and they’re everywhere, but they leave them unattended.”
Bramlett says you should also have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom, hallway and living area in your home to alert you to toxic fumes and fire.
According to the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), closing doors to your bedrooms before you go to sleep can create a barrier to protect you from flames.
“Just 20, 30 years ago, you’d have 17 to 20 minutes to get out, and now you have less than three,” she said. “So it’s exponential to have that escape plan, to have that closed door.”
Most importantly, you and your family should have an escape plan in the event of a fire.
Bramlett says practicing a plan with young children and knowing all the exits in your house can increase your chances of survival.
“It all comes down to planning,” she said. “And then once you have that, you’ve done half the battle.”
Other fire safety resources include the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association.
