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The peak of winter means it’s colder indoors, and you probably need extra blankets, hot drinks, and to keep the heater on. However, relying on appliances to keep your home warmer can expose you to unimaginable hazards, such as a fire. Read on to learn more about how to keep your home warmer while keeping your family safe in winter.

Winter Fires

Every winter, families across the country lose everything to house fires. In worst-case scenarios, some lose more than their valuables. However, it all starts with something as small as a heater left on overnight, a candle that’s too close to the curtain, or an overloaded plug point, leading to devastating consequences for victims.

1. The Hidden Dangers in Your Home

You’re probably doing everything you can to keep your house warm, but how do you know when you are unknowingly creating a fire hazard? It’s important to take note of these hidden dangers in your home:

• Portable heaters can tip over or overheat when placed too close to furniture, curtains, or beds.
• Electric blankets can ignite in your sleep if left on for an extended period.
• Fireplaces and stoves, if not cleaned properly, can create a buildup of creosote, a chemical that can cause sparks.
• Candles can cause a fire if left unattended.

2. Staying Warm with a Heater

A heater in your bedroom or living room is the most reliable way to ensure you get through the coldest mornings and evenings. However, these appliances are the leading cause of winter house fires and require extra caution when in use. For instance, consider keeping anything highly flammable, such as blankets, curtains, and paper, at a distance.

Most importantly, ensure your home is well ventilated when you have had your heater on for an extended period, especially when using a gas heater. You shouldn’t leave it on overnight or when you’re not in that specific room. It’s also a good idea to service your heating appliances often to ensure they don’t cause unwanted fires.

3. Electric Blanket Safety

Using an electric blanket on a freezing night can feel amazing, but it still has potential risks you should be aware of. You should ensure safety by reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are other key tips to consider:

• Don’t sleep with it switched on all night.
• Never crumple it to avoid damaging its wires.
• Avoid using an old or pre-owned blanket without testing it first.
• Always unplug it before you go to bed.

4. Lighting Candles

If you are experiencing power outages because of technical issues in your area, candles are usually the most convenient alternative. However, they’re the most common fire starters because any distraction can lead to a devastating fire, which can lead to fatalities. If possible, consider having battery-powered LED lights or rechargeable lamps instead.

If you must use candles, ensure you follow these safety tips:

• Place them in sturdy holders.
• Keep them away from flammable items.
• Never leave them unattended.
• Keep them out of reach of pets and children.

5. Check Your Wiring and Maintain It

Winter means using more heaters, kettles, microwaves, and chargers. Using everything at once can lead to overloaded plug points and worn-out wiring. If you notice your lights are flickering, smell burning plastic, or the outlets feel overheated, use the FREE-to-use iER App to connect with an electrician near you.

6. Have an Emergency Escape Plan

Do you know what you would do if a fire started while you were asleep? A fire escape plan can help you plan for this type of emergency and improve safety for you and your loved ones. Most importantly, take the time to practice your fire emergency plan to reduce the chances of panic should you need to evacuate during a fire.

7. Keep Emergency Contacts Ready

Download the FREE-to-use iER App from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the Huawei App Gallery to ensure you stay connected to over 18,000 medical and non-medical emergency responders nationwide. Moreover, you should have your emergency contacts saved and written down to know who to call if your phone’s battery dies during an emergency. This can help response units alert your close family and friends when needed.

When it comes to fires, you never think it will happen to you. However, life-threatening emergencies don’t discriminate and can occur when you least expect them. The FREE-to-use iER App is your safety companion and can connect you to fire rescue services within minutes.

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