Red Cross warns of rising home fire risks as cold weather returns to Georgia

The American Red Cross says space heaters and unattended stoves are leading causes of home fires and offers key safety tips for families.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/ WMGT) – Temperatures are starting to fall, and many homeowners will be turning on their heaters to warm their homes.

The American Red Cross says there are some tips you should know before you do it. They say they see an increase in home fires due to space heaters. 

Communications manager Suzanne Lawler says seven people die each day in U.S. home fires. She says when it comes to your chimney or fireplace, keep those clean and properly checked yearly. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working and installed properly. 

“Smoke alarms can cut that fatality rate in half,” she said. “A working smoke alarm is key.”

She suggests families run a routine fire drill twice a year to prevent escape delays. 

“So your kids and family know what we do in case of a fire,” Lawler said. “You may only have two minutes to get out of your home during a fire, so every second counts, and having everyone know what their role is and how to get out is imperative.”

Lawler says you should never use your oven to heat your home. But there is one tip you should know about space heaters.

“Have a wide birth around the unit,” she said. “And another tip is; do not plug that into an extension cord and then into a wall. Plug your space heater directly into the wall.”

Careless cooking is also a factor homeowners should be aware of.  

“We’re coming up on the holidays,” Lawler said. “We have a gas stove, we have kids. Don’t leave your stove unattended. And don’t leave your space heater unattended. A lot of times people will leave that space heater on at night for warmth… that’s not safe. Turn it off when you go to bed and when you leave the room.”

For more tips you can visit redcross.org.