During the harsh winter months, many residential homes in the United State use fuel-burning appliances to heat indoor living areas. Common fuel-burning appliances include space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces and kerosene heaters.

However, if these appliances are not used properly, they may start a fire in your home. In fact, home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time year. Therefore, it is important that you understand how to take the necessary safety precautions when using these appliances.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration published handouts to help you properly use the most common fuel‑burning appliances. Please download and refer to these free resources to avoid home fires this winter:

• Winter Fire Safety: Heating Your Home Safely.
• Heating Fire Safety: Follow these heating tips to help maintain a fire-safe home this winter.

The handouts explain best practices for purchasing, using and maintaining these common appliances. Remember, you should also have a working fire alarm on every level of your home. Fires move fast, so it is important to be proactive to ensure the safety of you and your family.

Want more information about how to keep your family safe this winter? Visit FEMA’s Ready.gov website for more information about home fires and how to stay safe during extreme winter weather.