7 tips to prevent house fires

In Northern Michigan, fire season picks up as the temperatures drop. For Fire Prevention Month we worked with Al Welsheimer, fire chief at the Resort Bear Creek Fire Department, to put together up-to-date tips.

Remember: no matter how big or small a fire is, the first thing to do is get out of the house. Once your family is safely out, call 911. When the fire is out, call Bay Area Clean Care so we can get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.

1. Clean your wood stove and fireplace regularly

Wood stoves and fireplaces in homes with light use should be cleaned at least once a year. Clean high-use stoves monthly through the winter. Remove ash buildup every couple of uses so fires stay safely contained.

2. Keep electrical cords uncovered

Running cords under rugs or carpet reduces trip hazards but raises the risk of an electrical fire. Cords give off heat, and when covered they can get hot enough to spark or smoke. Buy quality cords and surge protectors and give them room to breathe.

3. Leave space around space heaters

Space heaters make enough heat to start a fire in a cluttered room. Leave five to eight feet of clear space around them, away from fabric, furniture, and anything flammable. Clean the air intake regularly so dust does not catch fire.

4. Be fire-conscious in the kitchen

Watch where you set potholders and plastic, keep flammable items away from the stove and air fryer, and keep an eye out for grease fire hazards.

Soot is a carcinogen and needs to be cleaned up right after a fire is out. Fabric, walls, and porous surfaces hold on to particles, so call us after any fire, big or small.

5. Turn off burners and turn on timers

Even if you are sure you will not forget, set a timer you can hear whenever food is on the stove or in the oven. When you are done cooking, double check that every burner and appliance is off.

6. Dress for the job when cooking or tending a fire

Baggy sleeves, robes, and coats are extremely flammable. Take them off and tie back long hair before cooking or restocking the fire.

7. Clear the clutter

Fires move faster when they have more to burn. Clutter is also a trip hazard in an emergency and can make fire damage much worse. Less is more.

We wish you a safe and uneventful fire season.