RALEIGH — Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, noting that wintry weather could touch our state this weekend, urges North Carolinians to use extra caution when using portable heaters.
Many people will be using fireplaces and portable space heaters to stay warm. Unfortunately, portable heaters can ignite, as one did in New York City Sunday, where 17 people, including eight children, died.
“One life lost in fire is one life too many,” said Commissioner Causey, who is also the State fire marshal. “It is important for families to know the dangers associated with home heating so they can take extra precautions during the upcoming blast of winter weather.”
In the first 12 days of 2022, five people have already lost their lives in home fires in North Carolina. Last year, there were 134 fire deaths across the state.
Each year during the winter months, there is an increase in the number of home fires related to the various forms of heating. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the U.S. behind cooking. Nearly 90% of home heating fire deaths involve stationary or portable space heaters. The leading factor that contributes to home heating fire deaths was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.
Commissioner Causey offers these tips for home heating during the winter months:
