Red Cross Urges Caution Heating Homes This Winter

Home Heating Fires are the Leading Cause of Winter Fires, and the Third Leading Cause of Deaths

WASHINGTON, Thursday, November 16, 2006 — As temperatures start to dip across the country, the American Red Cross urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to plan ahead for the possibility of a home fire. Home heating fires increase during the late fall and winter months, and portable heating fires are more deadly than others. A recent Red Cross poll found that nearly half of American families use heating alternatives such as a space heater, fireplace or wood/coal stove to stay warm.

Fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined, and the Red Cross urges families to develop a fire escape plan and to take steps toward fire prevention and safety. Preparedness is important for all families, and African American families are disproportionately more affected by home fires. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, African Americans make up less than 13 percent of the U.S. population but represent 25 percent of all fire deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Children are even more affected within the African- American community, as they are more than twice as likely to die in a home fire than the rest of the African American population.

To prevent heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping all potential fuel sources, including newspapers, matches, bedding and clothing, at least three feet away from heat sources such as a space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. In addition, portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how, when and where to safely use heating equipment, such as space heaters and wood stoves.

“The good news is that preparing for a home fire doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or training,” said Red Cross preparedness expert, Heidi Taylor. “In addition to functioning smoke alarms, one of the easiest ways to prepare is to develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that every family member, including young children and the elderly, can escape quickly and safely.”

Fire escape plans include at least two exit routes for every room in the home, and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance from the fire. Escape ladders should be used and stored near windows in floors above ground level, and all family members should know how to locate and use the ladders safely. Families should practice their escape plan at least twice a year.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, please visit www.redcross.org/homefires.

Simple Tips to Prevent Home Heating Fires

• Keep all potential fuel sources (newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs) at least three feet away from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
• Provide constant adult supervision in rooms with lit candles or fires.
• Keep fire in the fireplace by using glass or metal fire screens.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys inspected annually by a professional, and cleaned if necessary.
• If you must use space heaters, place them on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.