Quick answer
To prevent winter fires in Michigan homes, keep anything that can burn at least three feet from space heaters, plug heaters directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords, turn them off when you leave or sleep, water live Christmas trees daily, never leave candles or cooking unattended, and test smoke alarms before the heating season.
Space heaters
Fire safety groups such as the NFPA recommend keeping anything that can burn, including bedding, curtains, furniture and clothing, at least three feet from a space heater. Choose a heater with automatic tip-over and overheat shutoff.
Plug heaters straight into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, and do not share the outlet with other high-draw appliances. Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Cords, outlets and older wiring
Many Detroit-area homes have fewer outlets than modern households need, so extension cords and power strips multiply in winter. Warm outlets, flickering lights, buzzing or a burning smell are warning signs; stop using that circuit and have it checked.
Run cords where they will not be pinched under rugs or furniture, and replace any cord that is frayed, cracked or warm to the touch.
Had a heater or holiday fire? Call the line any hour; we will secure the house and start the cleanup.
Call (313) 391-5430Candles, trees and decorations
Never leave candles burning in an empty room, and keep them away from curtains, trees and decorations. Battery candles give the same look without the risk.
Live Christmas trees dry out quickly indoors. Water them daily, keep them away from heaters and fireplaces, use lights in good condition, and take the tree down once it is dry.
Holiday cooking
Holiday meals mean more cooking, more people and more distraction. Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling or broiling, keep towels and packaging away from burners, and keep a lid nearby to smother a pan fire.
Never use water on a grease fire. Turn off the burner, cover the pan and, if the fire spreads, get out and call 911.
If a small fire happens
Get everyone out and call 911, even if the fire seems out. Once the fire department releases the house, do not run the furnace or wipe soot until it has been assessed, and photograph everything for your insurer.
In winter, ask whether the heat can stay on; if not, the plumbing may need draining so pipes do not freeze.
Choosing and placing a heater
Look for a heater with a recognized testing lab label, automatic tip-over shutoff and overheat protection. Set it on a hard, level floor, never on carpet, a bed or a table, and keep it out of walkways where it can be knocked over.
Do not use a heater to dry clothes or shoes, and never leave it running in a child's room or near a pet's bed while no one is watching.
Smoke alarms and a way out
Working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas give the warning that lets everyone get out. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year, or install sealed ten-year alarms.
Agree on two ways out of each bedroom and a meeting place outside. In older homes with painted-shut windows, make sure at least one window in each bedroom opens.
Winter fire safety questions
At least three feet, along with bedding, curtains and clothing.
No. Plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Every day; dry trees catch fire easily.
Turn off the burner and cover the pan; never use water on a grease fire.
Yes, test them and replace batteries before the heating season starts.
