American Red Cross urges families to take several steps to heat homes safely

(KBSI) – As temperatures drop across the region, the southeastern Missouri northeast Arkansas chapter of the American Red Cross urges families to take several steps to heat their home safely.

Sharon Watson with the American Red Cross speaks of house fires during the winter season and the alternate heating sources that may cause them.

“We definitely see a lot more issues in the winter because people are trying find ways to keep their home warm so we just want everybody to be thinking about it and be aware that it’s something that can happen really quickly,” said Watson.

The American Red Cross website advises to never leave space heaters unattended and plug the cords directly into wall plugs instead of extension cords.

“Make sure if you have kids or pets around a space heater, that you’re in the room constantly watching to be sure that they are a safe distance away they’re not too close to be burned,” said Watson.

Home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year and home fire responses are 30% higher during cold months than warmer times of year.

The organization also advises the community to never use a cooking range, never leave a fireplace unattended, and have; furnaces, chimneys fireplaces and stoves inspected annually.

Those in the state of Missouri needing assistance with smoke alarm installation, can visit redcross.org/smokealarmmo.