Winter Fire Prevention Tips for Houses, Apartments,& Businesses

Most House Fires Occur in the Winter

When the cold months of winter come along, people tend to crank up their heat, use portable heaters and fireplaces, stay in, and cook more often, leading to December, January, and February being the months when the most fires occur in houses, apartments, and buildings.

According to the CDC, “Each year in the United States, 1.1 million burn injuries require medical attention. Approximately 50,000 of these require hospitalization; 20,000 have major burns involving at least 25% of their total body surface, and approximately 4,500 of these people die.”

Unfortunately, thousands of people who suffer these injuries are left in crippling and paralyzing pain. To stay safe this winter season, here are some fire prevention tips you should follow: 

• Space heaters must be around three feet away from furniture, walls, curtains, and anything else that could easily catch fire. 
• Make sure candles are far away from anything that could catch fire if the flames get too big. 
• Check your fire alarms monthly.
• Keep fire extinguishers in readily available locations.
• If you have a fireplace, ensure not to overfill it and completely extinguish it before you leave. . 
• While cooking, keep an eye on your food and do not leave the room unless all your burners are off.
• Refrain from overwhelming outlets as they can easily start an electrical fire.
• Make sure all smoke detectors and alarms are in good working order.
• Smoke detectors in apartments, buildings, and houses should be interconnected, so they go off together.
• Leading authorities recommend ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors for maximum protection.
• Make sure to have one smoke detector available with bright LED lights and voice warnings. 
• Landlords and business owners should use up-to-date and effective detectors and alarm systems to protect their tenants, workers, and visitors. 

Was Your House or Building Fire Due to Negligence?

If you have experienced a house fire, and you believe the cause of your pain and suffering is due to another person’s negligence, such as a landlord or management company, please contact Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights, see if you are entitled to compensation, and advise you on how to proceed. Please complete our online form or call (248) 531-8665 today to schedule a free case review.