Take precautions to curb cooking and heating fires

Keep an eye on your cooking this Thanksgiving.

That's the message from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department as many residents host dinners this week.

The winter months are when fire officials see the most cooking and heating fires, said Cedar Rapids public safety spokesman Greg Buelow.

'Cooking is the leading cause of all winter home fires,” Buelow said. 'Five p.m. to 8 p.m. is the most common time for winter home fires.”

Buelow said the Cedar Rapids Fire Department responded to 178 building, structure, cooking and chimney fires in 2015. Of those, 63 were cooking fires.

Fire officials offer several tips to help lower the risk of cooking fires. One of the biggest ones is to simply never leave cooking food unattended, Buelow said.

Cooking areas also should be kept clean and clear of anything combustible.

'A toaster fire could spread quickly because cereal boxes and other combustibles are too close to the cooking equipment,” he said.

Buelow also recommended maintaining a 3-foot zone around the stove that is kid- and pet-free. In the event of a grease fire, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the heat to smother the fire and starve it of oxygen.

heating safety

As the temperature continues to drop after a relatively warm fall, authorities also offer tips on home heating safety.

Heating is the second leading cause of fires nationwide, after cooking, Buelow said.

Authorities recommend keeping anything combustible at least 3 feet away from any heat sources or open flames, like fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, radiators, space heaters and candles.

Ovens should never be used to heat a home. Space heaters should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed, Buelow said.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Officials also remind residents to be mindful of carbon monoxide in the home.

Buelow said firefighters have responded to 99 carbon monoxide alarm activations through Nov. 15 of this year. In 29 of those cases, carbon monoxide was found in the home, but that number is likely low due to doors or windows being opened before firefighters arrive, he said.

'This shows that carbon monoxide alarms are reliable,” Buelow said. 'When one activates, occupants should leave the home and call the fire department.”

Carbon monoxide buildup can be caused by a faulty furnace, heater or generator or bad ventilation. A running vehicle in a closed attached garage also can elevate carbon monoxide levels.

The odorless, colorless gas can cause flu-like symptoms and eventually death.

Buelow said heating equipment and gas appliances should be installed by a professional and properly ventilated.

He also recommends installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and considering regular inspections and maintenance on heating equipment.