The winter holiday season in Akron brings many things: good tidings, family gatherings — and an increased risk of house fires. 

Look no further than Davies Avenue in Akron, where five people were displaced and four dogs were killed in a house fire on Dec. 16. That’s why a number of fire safety organizations, including the National Fire Protection Association, annually share tips to keep you and your home safe. 

There are a few reasons for the increased risk of house fires. Dry and flammable Christmas trees and increased use of electricity-dependent decorations are the top two reasons fire rates rise during the winter months. 

So what can you do to prepare for and prevent house fires? Read on for tips from the nation’s top fire prevention organizations. 

Fire alarms and planning critical to a quick response during emergencies

  1. If you still have a natural Christmas tree displayed in your home, keep it in a stand with water in it. That’s to ensure the tree doesn’t dry out too quickly: one spark from a faulty wire, overloaded outlet or cigarette butt could set the tree ablaze. 
  2. Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside all sleeping areas. These alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every at least every 10 years. The Akron Fire Department offers free installation and tests of smoke alarms. 
  3. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be installed, especially if a residence houses fuel-burning appliances or heating equipment (think wood burning stoves or fireplaces). Combined carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are available and recommended.
  4. Practice fire escape plans. Experts recommend two ways out of every room and a fixed outdoor meeting place. Review this plan twice a year with everyone in the residence. 

Quality cooking safety practices could prevent disaster

  1. Remain in the kitchen — at all times — while cooking. Gas or electric stoves aren’t the only issue: Flammable objects such as towels, packaging or curtains can ignite  quickly. 
  2. Keep children and pets away from the stove while cooking, and turn handles of pots and pans away from the front of the stove. 

Using a space heater or fireplace? These tips could prevent a fire 

  1. Keep all space heaters at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire (curtains, couches, blankets) and make sure they’re on a hard, level and inflammable surface. Make sure they’re turned off when you leave a room or go to bed. 
  2. If you’re using a fuel-burning heater like a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure you have chimneys and other egress points for smoke and fumes inspected and cleaned annually. 

Overloaded outlets, smoldering cigarettes could spark a fire

  1. With the holidays come holiday decorations. That means increased electrical usage. Be mindful about overloading outlets or extension cords. Make sure that extension cords are in good condition with no exposed wiring and that power strips are properly rated. Also consider safety devices like arc-fault or ground-fault interrupters. 
  2. Smoke outside and use deep, sturdy ashtrays. Douse the butts in water. If you smoke inside, never do so in bed or near medical oxygen.

Education Reporter
Andrew is a native son of Northeast Ohio who previously worked at the Akron Beacon Journal, News 5 Cleveland, and the Columbus Dispatch before leaving to work in national news with the Investigative Unit at Fox News. A graduate of Kent State University and a current resident of Firestone Park, he returns to his home city of Akron ready to sink into the education beat and provide Akronites with the local reporting they deserve.