NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Heating fires peak between December and February, and to combat them, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has some simple, but critical ways to stay warm and safe. "Each winter, when heating systems kick into high gear, so do the number of home heating fires," explained the Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, Lorraine Carli. "Our goal is to make sure people know when and where home heating fires most often occur, along with ways to prevent them." Between 2019 and 2023, fire departments responded to an estimated average of 38,881 annually, according to the latest NFPA data. These resulted in 432 deaths, 1,352 injuries, and $1.1 billion in damages. One-third of those fires were the result of space heaters and heating stoves. Carli noted that cold temperatures and few hours of sunlight result in people spending more time inside, and using more electricity, with many households cooking more. Potential sources of carbon monoxide include heating and cooking equipment, resulting in fatal incidents reported. Fortunately, NFPA has some tips and recommendations for reducing the risk of fires and associated hazards. Heating safety: Make sure everything is in good, working order. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from equipment. Always use the right kind of fuel. Make sure space heaters are in working order. Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or sleeping. North Dakota’s a hidden gem for winter camping Cooking safety: Keep a close eye when cooking, never leave it unattended. Clear the cooking area of combustible items, with three feet of space for things that can burn. Turn the handles to the back of the stove. Keep lids nearby in case a small grease fire starts. Keep the area kid and pet-free. Electrical safety: Only use one heat-producing appliance in an outlet at a time. Check cords to make sure they're not running across doors or under carpets. Extension cords should be used temporarily. Call an electrician or landlord if you have frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. Carbon monoxide safety: Choose an alarm that has a testing laboratory label. Alarms should be installed in a central location. Test alarms once a month. If the signal sounds check for low batteries and replace it. If it still sounds, get outside and call the fire department immediately. If the alarm sounds, get outside and call for help. Stay there until emergency personnel arrive. If you need to warm a vehicle, bring it outside immediately after starting it. Make sure vents (dryer, furnace, stove, fireplace) are clear from snow build-up. Generators should be in a well-ventilated area outside and away from windows, doors, and vents. Smoke alarms also need to be installed correctly in all the required locations. Another essential element in fire safety is having a home escape plan. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW