NFPA and USFA Launch "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" Campaign to Promote Home Fire Safety During Winter Months

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) are teaming up for the fourth year to promote their joint campaign, "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires," which works to educate the public about potential fire hazards during the winter months and holiday season. Winter is the peak season for U.S. home fires; cooking and heating are the leading causes. In addition, candle, decoration, and Christmas tree fires peak in December. "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" provides awareness about these potential fire risks, along with advice and tips to avoid them.

"The colder months and holiday season bring a set of increased fire risks that can quickly turn a festive, wintry time of year into a tragic one," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. "Working closely with USFA, our shared goal is to inform the public about winter fire safety and provide educational resources for the fire service. With some increased awareness and basic safety precautions, people can ensure a fire-safe winter for their families and homes."

According to NFPA statistics, cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires and injuries in the U.S., while heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire deaths. These and other facts that underscore fire risks associated with the winter and holiday season will be addressed throughout the "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" campaign.

Video available: "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" campaign overview from NFPA President Jim Pauley.

"USFA is pleased to once again be partnering with NFPA to present this important information to the public," said Alexandra Furr, USFA’s director of national fire programs. "Since we know the winter months provide more opportunities for home fires, it is even more important for your family to make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, and inside and outside sleeping areas. If you don’t have a family fire escape plan, take a few minutes to make one and then practice it. During the winter months, we find ourselves thinking about giving and being with family. Give your family the gift of fire safety. We can all take steps to be fire safe, Fire is Everyone’s Fight™."

Fire service personnel – for tip sheets, videos, and other information on how to prevent cooking, heating, and other types of fires, visit the NFPA and USFA websites for an extensive list of resources that can be shared with your communities.