Reminding the public that responses to home fires are 30 percent higher during winter months, the Texas Gulf Coast Region of the Red Cross is asking residents to check smoke detectors and have fireplaces and furnaces inspected.
Safety tips for space heaters include turning them off when leaving the room and keeping them on a level, nonflammable surface and away from bedding, drapes, children, and pets. Heaters should be plugged directly into outlets, not an extension cord, and cooking ranges and ovens should never be used to heat homes.
“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” said Vanessa Valdez, Regional Communications Manager for Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region. “But there are steps people can take to avoid having this happen to them. Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.”
For more information on help with smoke detectors and escape plans, visit redcross.org/fire.
