AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Fire Department released fire safety tips to help residents as winter weather is almost here. AFD encourages the public to prepare for winter by evaluating their home’s fire safety.
Here are safety tips and stats provided by AFD, aiming to help residents keep their home and family safe this winter:
- Furnace Maintenance: Nearly 16% of home heating fires involve the failure to clean heating equipment like chimneys and furnaces. Schedule a professional inspection now.
- Space Heater Safety: Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires, accounting for 44% of all home heating-related fires. Always keep heaters 3 feet away from anything that can burn, and never leave them unattended.
- Check Smoke Alarms: Ensure your smoke alarms are working. Nearly 60% of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
- Fireplace Use: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected before use, and always use a screen to keep sparks contained.