Never, Ever Do These 6 Things With Your Heat In The Winter

Winter is the time of year many of us hibernate in our homes. But while these can be cozy months, they can also be among the most hazardous for fires.

From 2017 to 2019, heating fires in residential homes accounted for an estimated annual average of 34,200 reported fires. And more than half of all home fires occur between December and March, according to data collected between 2017-2019 by the U.S. Fire Administration’s national reporting system.

Too many of these incidents were avoidable. Fire safety and electrical experts shared with HuffPost the biggest mistakes they want you to avoid doing this winter.

1. Don’t put a space heater close to anything that could combust.

In more than a quarter of the largest heating fires that occur in residential buildings, the fire started because the heat source was too close to something that could burn. And a space heater can often be the culprit.

That’s why you should keep a space heater at least 3 to 5 feet away from any furniture, drapery or other flammable items, said Susan McKelvey, the communication manager for the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit that educates the public on fire safety.

2. Don’t go a winter without checking on your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

In too many USFA-reported fires, a building’s smoke alarms were not working or had been dismantled when they were needed most. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most home fires occur at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when people were sleeping.

That’s why you need alarms to be alert for danger when you’re not. “They’re your first line of defense in a home fire,” McKelvey said.

The USFA also recommends replacing your smoke alarm every decade and checking it at least once a