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Fire safety questions and answers from Oxendine

Question: I’ve heard that the number of house fires goes up in the winter. Is that true, and if so, what causes these fires?

Answer: The number of house fires and fatalities does tend to increase during the winter months. Two of the leading causes of house fires are especially common this time of year: home heating (particularly portable heaters), and cooking.

There were 22 fire fatalities in Georgia last year in fires caused by some type of portable heater.ÊSo far in 2004 there has been only one fatal fire started by a heater, but the cold weather season has just begun.ÊWhile portable heaters are safe if used properly (please read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully) they can start fires if placed too close to beds or other furniture.Ê Three feet is considered a safe distance. Also, extension cords can be dangerous when used on an electric heater, since the current draw can overheat the cord.

Cooking-related fires have caused 18 deaths so far this year. With the holiday season approaching, much more cooking will be going on in kitchens across the state. Many of these fires are caused by a stove that has been accidentally left on.ÊIf given enough time, a stove can heat a pan to the point that the metal melts.

That’s why home safety experts recommend that you always set a timer when cooking, so you never forget to turn off the burners or oven.ÊIf a pan does catch fire, cover it with a lid immediately and turn off the burner. Don’t attempt to fight a grease fire with water, as it may make the fire worse.ÊIf you’re going to be doing a lot of cooking, consider wearing clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.ÊLoose clothing can contact a burner and ignite.

Finally, your home should have an adequate number of smoke alarms. Most fatal fires start between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., while the family is asleep.ÊThe advance warning of a smoke alarm may mean the difference between life and death. Nine out of ten fire victims are already dead before the fire department is even called, mainly from smoke and toxic gases.

Please send your insurance or fire safety questions to Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine, 716 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334. Or call 404-656-2070 (toll free at 1-800-656-2298) for assistance with an insurance question, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.ÊTDD services available at 404-656-4031.