Winter Brings Increase in Home Heating Fires
News Release: December 5, 2007
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

As temperatures dip across the greater Lehigh Valley, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley urges families to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources, and to make a plan in case of a home fire. Heating sources are the leading cause of winter fires, and increase during the late fall and winter months.

A January 2006 poll conducted by ORC International for the Red Cross found that nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces or wood/coal stoves to stay warm. To prevent heating related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping all potential fuel sources like newspapers, matches, bedding and clothing, at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces and wood stoves. In addition, portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended.

“Last year the Greater Lehigh Valley Red Cross responded to 127 home fires in our area, a 19 percent increase over 2006,” said Cordelia E. Miller, director of emergency services. “Preparing for a home fire doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment or training, and doesn’t take much time.

“In addition to following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use heating equipment, one of the easiest ways to prepare for a fire is to check that all of your home’s smoke alarms are in good condition,” continued Miller. “Smoke alarms should be installed outside of each sleeping area and on each level of your home. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, install an alarm in each bedroom, too. Use the test button to check your alarms once a month, and batteries should be replaced once a year.”


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.

• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.

• 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 a space heater, 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.


Simple Steps to Make Your Home Safer

• In addition to smoke detectors, consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in proper use of your extinguishers.

• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home. Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.

• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping. Practice your escape plan, especially with children, at least twice a year and revise as necessary.


You can help the Red Cross continue to be ready to respond and help fire victims by making a financial contribution to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley today. To make a financial donation, visit www.redcrosslv.org to make a secure online donation; call 610-865-4400; or mail a check to 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 680,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.