Fire Prevention Message – February 2026 – Safety Tips from Indian River Volunteer Fire Company

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Prevention Cohort focuses on heating safety, as winter months see higher rates of home fires from equipment like furnaces and space heaters, as well as automatic fire alarms.

The various key messages should include keeping flammable items at least 3 feet away from heaters, never leaving space heaters unattended, testing smoke alarms monthly, and ensuring chimneys/vents are checked. 

• Space Heater Safety: Maintain a 3-foot "no kid zone" around space heaters and keep them at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, and furniture.

  • No Kid or Kid-Free Zone - Safety/Home: Designated, often 3-foot, "no-kid zones" are recommended around hot surfaces like stoves, fireplaces, and grills to prevent accidents.

• Heating Equipment: Have furnaces, chimneys, and vents inspected annually. Never use an oven to heat your home.

• Smoke and CO Alarms: Test smoke alarms monthly; ensure they are installed on every level and in every bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential, especially if you have a garage or fuel-burning appliance.

• Candle Safety: Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything flammable, never leave them unattended, and extinguish them before leaving a room.

• Generator Safety: Never run portable generators or gas-powered equipment (like snowblowers) inside.

• Burn Awareness: The first full week of February is National Burn Awareness Week, focusing on preventing burn injuries in the home. 

Another month means another chance to keep fire safety fresh on your mind. Check out the page below for some relevant safety tips for February!

February Prevention Tips:

Keep fire safety in mind as temperatures drop!  The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is urging everyone to keep fire safety in mind as the temperatures turn colder.  “It is often seen that more home fires are prevalent during the winter months due to heating equipment and appliances.  “People need to pay close attention to potential fire hazards such as fireplaces, furnaces, chimneys and vents, and space heaters.”

Here are some simple things you can do to stay fire safe during the colder months:

• Generators and Other Gas Powered Equipment

  • Never run portable generators inside. Always run outdoors, away from windows and a safe distance away from any structures.

  • Always use heavier gauge extension cords rated for higher amps than what will be drawn by the appliances you are running.

  • Just like generators, never run any gas powered equipment such as snow blowers or chainsaws indoors.

  • Never refuel any gas powered equipment inside. Always move the equipment outside into fresh air and away from any structures. If a spill occurs, wait a few minutes to allow the gas spill to evaporate before starting the engine.

  • If you have a garage, ensure it has a CO detector installed to notify you of any Carbon Monoxide built up.

  • Always store gasoline in approved, well sealed containers. Do Not store near any ignition sources such as pilot lights, electric heaters or furnaces. Always store gas containers in a garage or shed, never in your house.

• Extension Cords

  • Inspect your extension cords for any cracks, frays, splits, burn marks or any damage. If you find any damage discard the extension cord immediately.

  • When purchasing a new extension cord, ensure it is ETL or UL Listed and of an appropriate gauge.

  • Keep extension cords away from water, and ensure you plug an extension cord into a GFCI outlet or one protected by a GFCI for use in damp areas or with water oriented devices such as pumps

  • If an extension cord becomes hot to the touch, stop using and unplug it immediately.

  • Use only outdoor rated extension cords outside, never use an indoor only one outside.

  • Never tamper with an extension cord, it’s socket or it’s plug end. Do not try to force a 3 pronged extension cord plug into a 2 pronged outlet, or remove the grounding plug from an extension cord.

  • Replace worn or damaged electrical wires and connections on vehicles and extension cords and use the proper gauge extension cord for vehicle block heaters.

  • Consider using approved timers for vehicle block heaters rather than leaving heaters on all night.

• General Tips for the Month

  • Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a registered fuel contractor.

  • Keep chimneys and intake/exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of debris, ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) build-up from inefficient combustion.

  • Burn dry, well-seasoned wood in fireplaces and woodstoves to reduce the risk of excessive creosote build-up in chimneys.

  • Allow ashes from your fireplace or woodstove to cool before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.

  • Keep space heaters at least one meter (3 feet) away from anything that can burn, including curtains, upholstery and clothing.

  • Ensure that vehicles are not left running inside any garage or building.

  • Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on every story and outside all sleeping areas of your home.

  • Install CO alarms to alert you to the presence of this deadly gas.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company reminds everyone that the building fire code requires smoke alarms to be installed on every story of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside all sleeping areas if the home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage.