ILLINOIS, (WAND) - As colder weather moves into the Illinois region, the American Red Cross is reminding families to take important precautions to safely heat their homes this winter.
“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois. “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.”
Home fires account for the majority of the 60,000-plus disasters the Red Cross responds to annually, with home fire responses rising 30% during colder months.
Tips for Safely Heating Your Home
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are the leading cause of home heating fires. The Red Cross recommends the following safety measures:
- Never leave space heaters unattended. Place on level, nonflammable surfaces such as tile floors—avoid rugs, carpets, bedding, and drapes.
- Plug heaters directly into outlets, not extension cords, and turn off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Maintain a three-foot safety zone around heating equipment, keeping children, pets, and flammable items away.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- Fireplace safety: Never leave a fire unattended. Use a glass or metal screen and ensure embers are fully extinguished before bed or leaving home.
- Annual inspections: Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood, and coal stoves checked and cleaned by a professional.
Preventing Home Fire Tragedies
To protect your household year-round, the Red Cross recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone can safely exit in under two minutes—the critical window to escape a burning home.
Recently, Red Cross volunteers responded to three home fires in Decatur, Philadelphia, and Macomb, assisting seven individuals with immediate needs, health and mental health support, and one-on-one assistance.
If you cannot afford or install smoke alarms, the Red Cross may be able to provide assistance. Contact your local chapter for support.
For additional resources, visit redcross.org/fire
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