Noah Johnson Daily Press Escanaba Public Safety Officers Austin Young (right) and Tanner Tadra demonstrate how to pop a hydrant at the Escanaba Public Safety office.

By Noah Johnson

njohnson@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — Fire safety during the winter months is crucial, as the combination of harder working furnaces, the usage of space heaters and increased indoor activities can elevate the risk of fire incidents.

Officers from Gladstone Public Safety and Escanaba Public Safety weighed in on protecting your home, family, and yourself from house fires.

In January alone, the departments responded to a total of five house/structure fires, not including brush, vehicle, and other fires that the departments also responded to.

“Accidental fires can be caused by a number of things,” said Gladstone Public Safety Officer Mallory Nelsen.

To help prevent accidental fires, Nelsen recommends incorporating safety measures into everyday routines.

“It’s always good to get into a routine when you leave. Make sure all your appliances are off, unnecessary items are unplugged, candles are all blown out, and no heaters are left on,” she said.

Space heaters are especially prone to catching fire, especially if they are near or touching flammable objects.

“Be careful with your space heaters as they are more of a temporary source of heat and not meant to be left on for long periods of time or left unattended,” Nelsen explained.

She also mentioned smoking, saying for those who smoke inside to make sure they are not still burning in an ashtray and to not smoke or ash near flammable items.

Candles should also be monitored and should not be lit near flammable items such as curtains, towels, or blankets.

Having your home equipped with a fire extinguisher and properly working detectors is also a good idea.

“It has been common practice to change your smoke detector batteries on time change days/nights. Most fire extinguishers have a minimum 5-year expiration, but it’s not a bad idea to check that at the same time you are changing your batteries,” Nelsen said.

Escanaba Public Safety Officer Dustin Stempki echoed Nelsen and provided tips on preparing, preventing, and avoiding house fires.

Keep in mind the following fire and emergency safety reminders:

– Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month.

– Plug space heaters directly into power outlets, and don’t overload power strips.

– Keep anything that can burn at least three to four feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heaters.

– Inspect and keep your wood stove chimney clean of any buildup and keep your furnace vents clear of any snow.

– Clean out and maintain clothes dryer vents of any lint buildup.

– Change out your furnace filters as recommended.

– Check your flashlight batteries for emergency lighting in case of a power loss.

– Keep flammables and combustibles free and clear of any heating sources.

– Have a home fire extinguisher available and easily accessible in the event of a fire.

– Help to maintain and keep fire hydrants shoveled out after winter storms.

– Keep outside grills at a safe distance from any structure.

– Keep residential doorways shoveled out from the snow and clear of any debris in case of quick emergency exits or responding emergency crews needing access.

“Let’s work to make fire prevention and safety one of your priorities,” Stempki said.

Nelsen reiterated the need to have a routine as well as a plan should a fire occur.

“Have a fire safety plan, especially if you have little kids. Practice it, talk about it, and have it somewhere they see it often. Always be safe, get out, and call 911,” she said.