As temperatures continue to drop, Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to stay vigilant about fire prevention during the winter months — a period when half of all home-heating fires occur.
To help keep families safe, officials have released updated “Home Heating Safety Tips”, highlighting essential DO’s and DON’Ts for safe heating practices.
Key Safety DO’s
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Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test them regularly.
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Keep flammable materials at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces and space heaters.
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Prepare for frigid temperatures early by stocking necessary supplies and staying weather-aware.
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Use home fireplaces responsibly and always place a screen to prevent embers from escaping.
Important DON’Ts
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Never heat your home with an oven.
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Do not use gasoline to start or maintain any fire inside your home.
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Avoid using generators indoors, as they create deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
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Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips. Always plug them directly into the wall.
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Never leave a fireplace burning unattended, especially when going to sleep.
Rockland County officials emphasized that simple preventative steps — such as cleaning chimneys, ventilating heating equipment properly, and checking alarms — can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous winter fires.
“Let’s work together to prevent winter fires across Rockland County,” the agency said in its public safety message.
