Christmas may be over, but colder weather will stay with us for a while.

The winter months typically see more residential fires than any other time of the year. Last year in South Carolina, there were 23 fatal fires resulting in 26 deaths, and nearly half of those fatalities were “heating related,” according to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Most heating related fires are preventable, and the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District wants to offer some safety tips to help reduce the risk of fire.

• When using kerosene and/or space heaters, only use them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They can be a convenient supplemental heat source, but they must be used properly and safely. Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs. If cords are frayed, worn, or damaged, do not use the heaters. Never leave a heater unattended. Turn off any heaters when leaving a room. Do not let pets or children play too close to it. Keep the unit on a flat surface at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors. Additionally, always plug space heaters directly into the wall outlets. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
• Heating pads and electric blankets also pose fire risks – especially if they are more than 10 years old. Do not allow anything on top of either when in use – this includes other blankets or pets. Never fold electric blankets or use while sleeping.
• Portable generators are commonly used in the winter as a result of storm-induced power outages. Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and deadly. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to prevent death from carbon monoxide.
• Be careful when using candles. They are an open flame. Never use candles if oxygen is used in the home. Use sturdy candle holders and extinguish them upon leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Have flashlights ready to use in case of a power outage.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional each year. If not, it can become filled with highly flammable layers of creosote.
• Do not use the kitchen oven to heat the home. It is not designed to heat large areas, and the heating element may fail causing a fire.

Also, please remember that new safety guidelines recommend that smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home and inside and outside sleeping areas. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them. If you need smoke alarms installed in your home for the first time or replaced, the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District has 10-year smoke alarms available upon request. Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District personnel will deliver and install the smoke detectors and also provide a 5-minute tutorial presentation in the home where the alarms will be placed. Just call (864) 457-3101 to schedule an appointment.

Finally, if there is a fire emergency in your home, dial 9-1-1 immediately, and stay outside. Never reenter a burning building to retrieve an item. Things can be replaced. You can’t.