Long Island, NY - November 18, 2014 - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are teaming up for the fourth year to promote their joint campaign, “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” which works to educate the public about potential fire hazards during the winter months and holiday season.
Winter is the peak season for U.S. home fires; cooking and heating are the leading causes. In addition, candle, decoration, and Christmas tree fires peak in December. “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” provides awareness about these potential fire risks, along with advice and tips to avoid them.
“The colder months and holiday season bring a set of increased fire risks that can quickly turn a festive, wintry time of year into a tragic one,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Working closely with USFA, our shared goal is to inform the public about winter fire safety and provide educational resources for the fire service. With some increased awareness and basic safety precautions, people can ensure a fire-safe winter for their families and homes.”
According to NFPA statistics, cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires and injuries in the U.S., while heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire deaths. These and other facts that underscore fire risks associated with the winter and holiday season will be addressed throughout the “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign.
Video available: “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign overview from NFPA President Jim Pauley.
“USFA is pleased to once again be partnering with NFPA to present this important information to the public,” said Alexandra Furr, USFA’s director of National Fire Programs. “Since we know the winter months provide more opportunities for home fires, it is even more important for your family to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, and inside and outside sleeping areas. If you don’t have a family fire escape plan, take a few minutes to make one and then practice it. During the winter months, we find ourselves thinking about giving and being with family. Give your family the gift of fire safety. We can all take steps to be fire safe, Fire is Everyone’s Fight™.”
For tip sheets, videos and other information on how to prevent cooking, heating and other types of fires, visit here and here for an extensive list of resources.
About The United States Fire Administration (USFA)
As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of USFA is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost here.
Photo by Robert Horvath via Free Images