Winter Fire Safety Tips

TYLER — Keeping our families safe and warm during the cold winter weather is always a top priority. But if you plan to use alternate heating sources, you may be putting your family at risk of fire. The Red Cross in Tyler urges all residents to take some steps to reduce the risk of heating-related fires.

All heaters need space. Officials say you should keep all things that can burn such as paper, matches, bedding, furniture and clothing, at least three feet away from heating equipment. Turn off space heaters when you go to bed or leave the room. Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord. Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Also, every home needs two important things: a working smoke alarm on every level of the residence and inside all bedrooms, as well as a fire escape plan so that every family member knows how to get out of harm’s way quickly. Red Cross staffers say the plan should identify at least two exits from every room and a place to meet outside that is located a safe distance from your home.

If a fire does occur, the Red Cross will be there. Last year the Smith County Chapter responded to 146 home fires, providing food, shelter and emotional support to the families affected. You can visit http://www.redcross.org/homefires to learn more about how you can reduce your risk of home fires and help your neighbors recover after a fire.