The common denominator generally is because residents are trying to find ways to keep their homes or apartments warm. Assistant Fire Chief with the Clinton Fire Department, Raymond James warns of the dangers of overloading electric outlets or using the wrong methods to plug in space heaters and various furnaces.

 

 

James adds it is never a good idea to use your stove or oven to heat your home. He says you run the risk of CO filling your home if you have a gas stove or oven.

 

 

Often times, the smoke alarms are pushed but James indicates the CO alarms can be just a important. He explains many people don't have a CO alarm in their home because it's notifications can be confusing.

 

 

Officials say watch the overloading of power strips and surge protectors. They see house fires with overloaded power strips or protectors as the cause.

 

They also note, if you're going to light candles, keep them up high and on a sturdy surface. They received a fire call this winter that was caused by a candle that caught a couch on fire.