As temperatures drop and families spend more time indoors, fire safety becomes even more critical. Each year, thousands of home fires occur across the United States–many of them preventable with a few simple precautions. The Marshalltown Fire Department is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes and loved ones. Here are the top 10 fire safety tips every homeowner should know:

1. Install and maintain smoke alarms

Smoke alarms remain the most effective early-warning tool in the event of a fire. Install alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside all sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2. Use space heaters wisely

Portable space heaters cause thousands of fires annually. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Plug them directly into a wall outlet–never a power strip–and turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

3. Practice safe cooking habits

Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires. Never leave food unattended on the stove, keep flammable items away from burners, and turn pot handles inward to prevent spills. If a grease fire occurs, smother it with a lid — never use water.

4. Maintain heating equipment

Whether you use a furnace, wood stove, or fireplace, all heating systems should be cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional. Creosote buildup in chimneys is a major cause of winter fires.

5. Keep electrical systems in good condition

Electrical fires often start with damaged cords, overloaded outlets, or aging wiring. Replace frayed cords immediately, avoid running cords under rugs, and do not overload power strips. If lights flicker or breakers trip frequently, have an electrician inspect the system.

6. Store and use candles safely

Candles add warmth to the home, but they also pose a fire risk. Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn, never leave them unattended, and always extinguish them before leaving the room. Consider switching to flameless LED candles.

7. Be careful with extension cords

Extension cords are meant for temporary use only. Avoid stringing multiple cords together and never use indoor cords outdoors. If you rely heavily on extension cords, consider having additional outlets installed.

8. Create a home fire escape plan

Every household should have a fire escape plan with at least two exits from each room. Practice the plan twice a year with all family members. Identify a meeting place outside where everyone can gather after escaping.

9. Keep combustible items away from heat sources

Store items like paper, cardboard, cleaning products, and paint at least three feet away from heat sources such as water heaters, furnaces, and stoves. Maintain clear space around utility appliances.

10. Install carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install CO detectors near bedrooms and on every level of your home. Test them regularly and replace them according to manufacturer guidelines.

A small effort that makes a big

difference

Taking a few minutes to check smoke alarms, inspect cords, or clean a fireplace can dramatically reduce the risk of fire. Fire safety is most effective when prevention becomes a routine part of home maintenance. Homeowners should also remember to keep furnace exhaust vents on the exterior of the home clear of snow and ice, as blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside the house. Lastly, if you have a fire hydrant on the terrace in front of your house and you’re able, please keep a three-foot path clear of snow. The quicker we can hook to the hydrant, the quicker we can put out fires.

For more information, contact the Marshalltown Fire Department.

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Christopher Cross is the chief of the

Marshalltown Fire Department.