CSFD warns of fire hazards in home-heating tools during Fire Prevention Month
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- On the first day of Colorado Springs' Fire Prevention Week the Colorado Springs Fire Department reminded everyone to check their smoke alarms and prep their homes for the winter weather.
Public Communications Supervisor for the Colorado Springs Fire Department Sunny Smaldino said as people try to keep warm during this time of year they often forget that heating tools can be serious fire hazards if not handled properly.
"Space heaters ... we always see that as a problem of people wrapping those cords up and then they pull them out and the cords have frayed. They don’t realize the heat can start a fire on those cords," Smaldino said.
CSFD also said that people try and heat their homes with stoves or ovens, and that can pose a serious fire threat. Smaldino warns against using any appliance not made for heating your home to warm your space this winter.
In addition to checking your warming tools, Smaldino said checking your smoke alarms is crucial. She said making sure the sensors aren't expired, the batteries are fresh, and they're not covered are all part of the check.
“The majority of our fatal fires result from people not having working smoke alarms in their home", said Smaldino.
The CSFD responded to 126 residential fires in 2020, they said that's slightly up from last year.
For more information on the department's first event this month, "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” on Saturday, Oct. 2, click here.
