How to Prevent Fire Damage While Heating Your Home This Winter

When temperatures drop, heating systems and portable devices become essential — but they also become one of the leading causes of winter house fires. In New York and across the U.S., most home fires between November and February start from unsafe heating practices. In this guide, NYHR explains how to stay warm safely and prevent fire damage in your home, whether you use radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, or central heating.

1. Keep Heaters Clear of Flammable Items

The most common cause of heating-related fires is poor clearance. Keep all space heaters, radiators, and vents at least three feet away from curtains, bedding, furniture, or rugs. A void placing clothing or towels near heat sources — even for drying.

Choose a heater with an automatic shutoff feature and tip-over protection for extra safety.

2. Inspect and Clean Heating Equipment Regularly

Dust, lint, and buildup inside your system can ignite easily. Before winter begins, have your furnace, boiler, and chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. Replace filters every one to two months. If you use a fireplace, clear out ash and debris and install a spark screen to prevent embers from escaping.

3. Avoid Overloading Electrical Circuits

Plugging multiple heaters or high-wattage devices into one outlet or extension cord is a major fire hazard. Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, not into power strips or extension cords. If lights flicker or breakers trip, that’s a sign your electrical system may be overloaded — call a licensed electrician immediately.

Learn more about avoiding overloaded outlets and keeping your home’s electrical system safe this winter.

4. Never Leave Heat Sources Unattended

Many winter fires begin when heaters or stoves are left running overnight or while no one’s home.

• Turn off space heaters when leaving a room.

• Extinguish fireplaces completely before going to bed.

• If using an oven to cook, never use it as a heat source for your home.

  
  

5. Maintain Proper Ventilation

Poor ventilation can cause overheating or carbon monoxide buildup. Keep air vents, chimneys, and flues open and unblocked when in use. If you use gas heaters or fireplaces, install carbon monoxide detectors alongside smoke alarms — both should be tested monthly.

6. Monitor Humidity and Airflow

Dry winter air can make your home more fire-prone. Use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels around 40–50%.It keeps materials like wood and fabric from becoming brittle and less flammable, while also making warm air feel more comfortable.

7. Prepare Your Home for Emergencies

Even with prevention, preparedness matters.

• Install smoke detectors on every floor and test them monthly.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near heating equipment.

• Create a fire escape plan and make sure everyone knows it.

  
  

Winter Heating Safety Checklist

Use this quick checklist each winter to stay safe while heating your home:

• Keep all heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

• Inspect and clean furnaces, chimneys, and vents before use.

• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets — never into power strips.

• Turn off heaters when sleeping or leaving the house.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month.

• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible on every floor.

• Maintain indoor humidity around 40–50%.

• Never use ovens or stoves for heating.

• Review your home insurance policy for fire coverage.

• Contact NYHR Restoration immediately if smoke or fire damage occurs.

Winter comfort doesn’t have to come with fire risks. With regular maintenance, smart placement of heating equipment, and careful use of space heaters or fireplaces, you can keep your home warm and safe. If your home experiences smoke or fire damage, NYHR Restoration provides expert fire and smoke repair,  damage restoration and maximize insurance claims throughout New York City — helping you recover quickly and safely.