Winter in Minnesota brings cozy nights by the fire, holiday gatherings, and all the charm of a fresh snowfall. Unfortunately, winter also brings a heightened risk of household fires. Heating equipment runs around the clock, holiday decorations go up, outlets work overtime, and many families bring real Christmas trees into their homes. Haven Builders wants every family to enjoy a safe, warm, and worry-free winter. Here are essential fire-prevention practices to help protect your home and keep your loved ones safe during the season.
Be Smart with Space Heaters and Fireplaces 
Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires in winter. Protect your home by following these guidelines:
- Keep all space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, or bedding.
- Never leave a heater running when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Have your fireplace or wood-burning stove professionally cleaned and inspected once per year.
- Use a sturdy screen to keep sparks inside the firebox.
Handle Real Christmas Trees with Care
Real Christmas trees look beautiful and smell amazing, but they can dry out quickly and become extremely flammable. If you choose a real tree this year:
- Choose the right tree: Select one with fresh, flexible needles that don’t fall off easily
- Water daily: A dry tree can ignite within seconds. Make watering your tree part of your morning routine.
- Check your lights: Throw away old or frayed strands, and use lights specifically labeled for indoor use.
- Turn lights off overnight: Even high-quality lights generate heat. Make it a habit to unplug them before bed or when you leave the house.
- Dispose of the tree promptly after the holidays: As much as you might love it, a dry, aging tree shouldn’t stay inside past the New Year.
Use Candles Safely (or Consider Flameless Alternatives)
Candles make a home feel festive in winter, but they’re also a common cause of fires. Reduce your risk by:
- Keeping candles at least one foot from anything flammable
- Placing them out of reach of pets and small children
- Using sturdy, tip-proof candle holders
- Blowing candles out before leaving the room
Better yet, choose LED flameless candles for the same cozy glow without the danger.
Avoid Overloading Outlets and Power Strips
Between holiday lights, electric blankets, space heaters, and kitchen appliances, winter can push electrical systems to the limit.
- Plug space heaters directly into the wall, not into a power strip
- Use surge protectors where possible
- Avoid chaining extension cords
- Distribute high-demand appliances across different outlets
If you trip a breaker often, that’s a sign your system is overloaded.
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Winter means furnaces, fireplaces, and closed windows – all factors that increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and undetected smoke. Test your detectors at the start of the season and replace batteries if needed. If your devices are over 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade.
Create Your Family Fire Escape Plan
A fire escape plan saves lives, yet many families don’t have one, or haven’t practiced it in years. Winter is the perfect time to revisit your plan.
Your plan should include:
- Two exit routes from every room
- A designated outdoor meeting location
- Clear instructions for children, including how to open windows or unlock doors
- A quick walkthrough of how to stay low if there is smoke
- A plan for pets, infants, or anyone with mobility challenges
Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, and once after dark.
Haven Builders Is Here When You Need Us
We truly hope your winter season is safe, warm, and fire-free, and that you never need to call us for emergency help. But if fire damage does occur, Haven Builders is here to restore your home and guide you through the recovery process. From fire restoration to smoke cleanup and reconstruction, our experienced team will help make your home whole again. If you have questions about fire safety or need restoration support, have sustained damage to your home after a bad storm, or if you are curious about our show-stopping remodels or additions, contact Haven Builders anytime.
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