Cold weather brings higher risk for house fires

With the extremely cold temperatures people will be pulling out the extra space heaters and keeping the fireplaces going.

Jay Florence is the Georgia Deputy Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

Florence said every year the number of house fire-related deaths goes up, mainly due to the improper use of space heaters and fireplaces.

Florence offers some basic tips to make sure you stay safe and warm if you plan to use portable space heaters or fire places.

If you use kerosene space heaters, make sure each heater has an automatic shut‐off in case it tips

over.

And use only K 1 kerosene because gasoline can cause an explosion.

Also, wait until the heater has cooled and take it outside before refueling.

Finally, Florence said probably the most important piece of safety equipment this time of year to have in your home is a working smoke detector.

Florence also advises families to have a well-rehearsed escape plan in the event of a house fire.

According to the Insurance and Fire Safety Office, this past year, 72 people died in residential fires in Georgia.

Six of those deaths were directly related to a heating source placed too close to bedding, clothes or furniture.