By John Cobleigh
Special to GUIDON

Winter brings bitter winds, snow, ice and dipping temperatures. Perhaps the most chilling result of wintry weather is the increase in accidents around the home.

Home fires, power outages and carbon monoxide pose harmful threats to our families and their well-being. Only 35 percent of homeowners have a carbon monoxide detector in their home, leaving more than half of families exposed to this silent killer. Despite a recent study revealing that 97 percent of households have installed smoke alarms, fire and burns continue to be a leading cause of home injury deaths.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that space heaters, including both fixed and portable heaters, are associated with about 21,800 residential fires every year and nearly 300 people die each year in fires started by these heaters.

Fuel-burning space heaters can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning and indoor air pollution, because of improper venting or incomplete combustion. In addition to fuel-burning heaters increasing the change of a fire, during extended power outages, the number of fires started by candles increases dramatically. It is important to use extreme caution when using candles as a light source.

Here are some suggestions to keep you and your family safe this winter.

Liquid fuel heaters

-- The use of liquid fuel powered space heaters, including kerosene and propane fueled space heaters, is prohibited in all facilities on Fort Leonard Wood, including family housing.

Fireplaces, wood stoves:

-- Burn only wood and not excessive paper in your fireplace.  Burning of paper can create an excessive build-up of creosote in your chimney, which can result in a fire.

-- Have your chimney regularly cleaned and inspected for cracks, blockages and leaks.

-- Keep flammable materials at least 36 inches away from fireplaces and wood stoves.

-- Be sure to put out your fire prior to going to sleep and never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.  Doing so will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.

Space heaters:

-- Ensure space heaters are turned off prior to leaving a room or going to sleep.

-- Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.

-- Use recommended fuel in kerosene space heaters. Avoid using space heaters to dry flammable items such as clothing or blankets.

-- Keep all flammable materials at least 36 inches from space heaters.

-- Avoid using electrical heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.

Lighting Sources:

-- Stock up on batteries and flashlights and avoid using candles as a light source.

-- If candles are used, keep flammable materials at least 36 inches away and never leave lit candles unattended. Place candles on a sturdy non-combustible base and at least 36 inches away from combustible material.

Heating systems

-- Have a trained HVAC professional inspect, clean, and tune-up your central heating system annually.

-- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted and serviced.

-- Avoid using a cooking stove to heat your home, and never use a gas grill inside your home or garage.

Smoke alarms:

-- Have smoke alarms on every level of your home. Make sure a smoke alarm is inside or near every bedroom.

-- Test each smoke alarm every month and install new batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them.

-- Have a home evacuation plan and practice it with your family. Ensure there are two ways out of every bedroom and if one is a window, practice opening the window. Choose a location in front of your house as a safe place to meet to ensure everyone is accounted for.

Just remember, the best way to survive a fire is to prevent one from occurring. By reducing the chances of fire, you increase your chances of surviving one. For more fire safety tips, contact the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department, at 596.0886, or the Maneuver Support Center Safety Office, at 596.0116.

(Editor’s note: Cobleigh  is a safety specialist with the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Safety Office.)