The temperatures are beginning to drop as winter approaches and the holiday season arrives. It is not uncommon for people to start spending more time inside, which is why you need to know how to avoid causing house fires and prevent any unneeded problems. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Hepditch of London’s Fire Station No. 1 expresses some tips for residents to note this winter.
“The number one cause of fires in the province of Ontario and in the City of London, are cooking fires, so we want to encourage everyone to look while you cook. And stand by your pan, so when you’re cooking, you don’t leave the kitchen,” said Hepditch.
More and more cooking can be occurring in households during the ending months of the year. Since many families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday festivities. This time of the year can be busy which is why Hepditch has a tip.
Source: XFM/Daniel Hernandez
“If for some reason you need to leave the kitchen, take a spoon or fork with you to remind you to come back to that item that’s in a pot on the stove,” Said Hepditch
“Cook at lower heats as well, and if you happen to have a fire, make sure you keep a lid close by. You put a lid on it. The fire will go out because there’s no oxygen available to it,” added Hepditch.
However, cooking is not the only cause of house fires. Another not as well-known cause of house fires is charging electronic devices. Not charging them properly or in a proper setting can cause life threatening regrets.
“Charging cell phones, laptops, tablets, things like that, so we want to make sure that when they charge them that they’re charged on hard surfaces not left on a soft surface like a mattress or a pillow or a couch you know a chair something like that,” said Hepditch.
Hepditch gives some alternatives as to where you can charge your devices to make sure you stay safe during and after then winter.
“Hard surfaces being wood, or perhaps even like a countertop. The heat from those, they do generate heat, and we have seen fires on beds, fires on furniture as well,” added Hepditch.
Hepditch concluded by stating how important it is to have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm. The Deputy Fire Chief commented about student residents always having at least one alarm that isn’t working. He summarized that it is important for people to know what to do if they have a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide alarm that is not working properly.
