Cooler temperatures in Michigan bring their own set of unique risks. It's not unusual for us to turn to supplementary heating methods such as space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces to help keep our homes comfortable during the chillier months. These are all great and effective ways to warm up a less than ideal situation, however they have also contributed to over 23% of home fires in Michigan across the past 3 years. With cold and severe weather not uncommon to Michigan, it's no surprise that we continue to use these tools despite the risk. The important thing is to take safety into consideration when we do use them.
Following studies into the rise of house fires in Michigan across the past several years, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has shared the following safety precautions that could have helped prevent many unfortunate incidents.
- Do not use space heaters that lack an automatic shut-off switch
- Make sure kids and pets maintain at least a 3-foot distance from any home heating device
- Double check that all supplementary heating devices are shut off when leaving a room or going to bed
- Do not use an extension cord with a space heater or external fireplace
- Make sure any external electronic heating devices are securely plugged directly into your outlets
- Avoid using these devices in the bathroom, kitchen, or any other area where they may come into contact with water
- Keep clutter, clothing and blankets away from your heating devices. Nothing should encroach a 3-foot radius around them
Following these guidelines as well as others we have shared to help avoid fires started by fireplaces, decorations, stoves, candles and kitchen activity represents an important step in mitigating preventable catastrophes. If we keep these tips in mind and remain vigilant about home heating safety throughout the cold season in Michigan, we will hopefully see some of these sad and unfortunate fire casualty statistics diminish while maintaining a warm and comfortable environment in our homes.