Protect Your Home From Fire and Ice Threats During Cold Weather

With more extreme cold and winter weather possible in the days to come, it’s important to check the safety of your heating equipment. Most importantly, remember to keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters.

The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) Fire Services Division and State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) recommend the following heating fire safety tips.

• Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision.

• Do not leave space heaters on when you are away from home.

• Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip-over shut-off switch.

• All heating equipment should be UL® approved and cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional before being used each year.

• Inspect the space heater’s power cord for damage, fraying, or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Proper cleaning is essential and should be done regularly.

• Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. Kerosene is a poor choice for heating, as it emits poisonous fumes.

• Have chimney flues cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel.

• Burn only approved materials in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Never burn paper or trash in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

• Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home.

• Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members.

• Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and don’t go back inside the home under any circumstances.

  
  

Below freezing temperatures, ice and snow could damage your roof and plumbing. Severe weather could also mean a high number of insurance claims.

“Many insurance policies do not provide coverage for frozen pipes and other damage in homes that are no longer occupied or that are vacant. For example, if you’ve listed your home for sale, moved out, and turned off the heat, then the pipes freeze and burst, the insurance company could deny your claim because you did not take the proper steps to protect the home,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney.

Avoid an insurance claim by taking action now.

• Leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks.

• Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken.

• Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely.

• Evaluate the insulation and ventilation (roof or soffit vents) in your attic, keeping the warm air in your home and out of your attic.

• Perform maintenance checks on your vehicle. Check the battery, antifreeze and wiper fluid levels. Fill up with gas, pack emergency supplies and keep a windshield scraper on-hand to remove ice.