Home fires keep Red Cross busy this winter

Home fires typically rise during the winter as people spend more times indoors. The use of a variety of heating sources and more cooking being done at home are often the causes of these fires. In the first 10 days of February alone, the Red Cross has responded to more than 50 fires in the Nebraska-Iowa region, assisting more than 250 people. This includes some large apartment fires in addition to single-family home fires.

The Red Cross offers these tips for keeping yourself and your family safe.

Home Heating Safety

' If using a space heater, look for a model that shuts off automatically if the heater falls over. Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface in the home.

' Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves or fireplaces.

' Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.

' Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

' Cut down on heating costs. Insulate the home by installing storm windows or covering the inside of windows with plastic to keep cold air out.

' Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

' Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

' Test batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

' Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with everyone who lives in the home.

Cooking Safety

• ' Keep an eye on what you fry! Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• ' Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away.

• ' Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.

• ' When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner.

• ' Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• ' Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, so no one bumps them or pulls them over.

• ' Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. Check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.