Ensure Winter Safety and Warmth in Your Home: A Guide for Kansas City Area Residents

We know it's not winter yet, but it's never too early to start preparing for the cold months ahead! While we all love a cozy home during Kansas City's chilly winters, it's important to keep in mind that heating your home comes with potential risks. Did you know that the National Fire Protection Agency reports December, January, and February as peak months for heating-related fires? At Sage Restoration, we want to make sure you and your family stay safe as you keep warm this winter. Here are some crucial fire safety tips to keep in mind.

Wood-burning Fireplace, Stove, and Gas Furnace Safety

Before you light that first fire of the season or turn up your furnace, make sure you’ve checked off these essential safety steps:

• Get your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent soot and creosote buildup.
• Have your furnace inspected for proper functioning and carbon monoxide emissions, and don’t forget to regularly replace the air filter to maintain efficiency.
• Ensure that the chimney flue is stable, with no cracks or loose seams that could allow smoke and soot into your home.
• Install a metal or glass fireguard to prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace and keep flammable items like carpets safe.
• Keep anything combustible at least three feet away from heating equipment, including portable heaters, fireplaces, and stoves.

Safe Fire Starting Practices

When starting a fire, make sure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Never use gasoline, oil, or other flammable liquids to ignite a fire.
• Don’t use too much paper, which can burn quickly and ignite creosote in the chimney.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using synthetic logs.

Completely Extinguishing Fires

Before heading to bed, make sure your fireplace is completely out. A smoldering fire can reignite, causing carbon monoxide to spread throughout your home. Allow ashes to cool for at least four days before discarding them, and always store them in a metal container at least ten feet from your home.

Additional Winter Fire Safety Tips

• In case of a power outage, only use portable generators far from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating, as this can lead to oxygen depletion and carbon monoxide buildup.
• Only plug one space heater into an outlet at a time to prevent circuit overloads, and keep electric heaters away from water sources like bathrooms or showers.
• Never thaw frozen pipes with a blowtorch, as this can ignite nearby materials.
• Make sure each room in your home has at least two exits in case of fire, and practice your fire escape plan with your family.

Sage Advice: Keep fire hydrants clear of snow to help firefighters respond quickly in an emergency.

If a fire does occur, despite your best efforts, Sage Restoration is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in fire disaster recovery for both homes and businesses in the Kansas City area. We’ll restore your property and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. Don't wait until winter strikes—let's stay safe together!