Winter Fire Safety is Crucial

winter fire safetyThe winter is definitely here and, in many parts of the country, the temperatures just keep dropping. When the weather gets colder, people look for many different ways to heat their homes. This increased need for heat also means an increased need for fire monitoring services. These are a very important part of winter fire safety.

One way that people heat their homes is by using space heaters. Unfortunately, if not used correctly, space heaters can be a serious threat.

While a space heater can provide relief during the extreme cold that many people are feeling, it’s crucial that you use these devices correctly and safely. You need to always think of winter fire safety when heating your home.

Recently, New Brunswick’s fire marshal Douglas Browne spoke about the dangers of space heaters and portable heaters.

“Space heaters pose a specific hazard associated with fire within the household”, he stated. Browne mentioned that there are three main problems with how space heaters are used that can lead to fires.

One winter fire safety issue is placing heaters near combustible materials such as curtains, linens and other similar items. Another winter fire safety hazard is leaving heaters unattended. The third potential issue is operating a space heater with a damaged cord or plugging it into an insufficient, overloaded or damaged outlet.

If you’re using a space heater in your home, take steps to avoid these three hazards.

Another way that many people heat their homes during winter months is with fireplaces. If you’re using a fireplace to heat your home, taking the appropriate precautions is important. When you’re using a fireplace, be sure to keep flammable materials away from it, check all equipment before use and use a screen to keep embers contained.

Fire Monitoring & Winter Fire Safety

Fires are very common during the winter months. For this reason, winter fire safety and fire monitoring services are very important. Even for those who are not using space heaters, fireplaces or other such heating methods, fire monitoring still protects your home. After all, remember that if a fire breaks out at a neighbour’s property, it could very easily spread to yours and cause serious damage. Fire monitoring can drastically reduce this potential damage.

If your home is already protected by monitored smoke and heat detectors, be sure to test them regularly and vacuum them out frequently as the air filters can easily clog. Also make sure our Fire Monitoring Station has the most current emergency contact numbers and email address to reach you at and alert you to a fire hazard when detected. Since fires spread very quickly, a faster response from us and City Fire Services could be the difference between confronting a small containable fire or facing a large damaging and potentially deadly fire. Being prepared is an important part of winter fire safety.

Fire monitoring better ensures that your home is protected from the ravages of a Fire. You will be comforted when you take these winter fire safety precautions in knowing your premises are watched over 24/7.