Fires Surge 46% in Winter— Experts Share Life-Saving Tips to Stay Safe (Exclusive)

As winter storms inspire families to spend more time indoors and heating systems run all hours of the day and night, safety experts warn that the season brings a sharp spike in deadly risks. Between increased fire and carbon monoxide poisoning risks, it is pivotal that people take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

Due to the winter concerns, Men's Journal interviewed the Senior Manager of Communications and a Fire Safety Educator at Kidde, Stephanie Berzinski. Kidde is an American company that is a leading manufacturer of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and other fire safety products. In her role, Berzinski has spent more than seven years providing the public with safety education, which has allowed her to develop expertise on the pivotal subject.

Why the Winter Season Creates Serious Fire and Carbon Monoxide Risks — How to Protect Yourself

Men's Journal: What specific number or percentage increase in house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning cases do you see during winter months compared to other seasons? Can you give me concrete statistics?

Stephanie Berzinski: According to the NFPA, heating fires peak during the winter months, with nearly half of all U.S. home heating equipment fires (46 percent) occurring between December and February.

According to the US CPSC, more than 200 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning associated with consumer products, and more than 100 of those deaths are linked to portable generators that are commonly used in the winter or to keep power on after a storm. One portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars.

Men's Journal: What are the keys to running a space heater in your home safely?

Stephanie Berzinski: During the winter months, people rely on fuel-burning heaters, space heaters, generators, fireplaces, and candles to stay warm. But, these items can dramatically increase the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning if not used properly. Winter is a great time to get cozy, but it’s also when we see the most home fires and carbon monoxide risks, so a few simple precautions can help make a big difference.

Inspect appliances annually. Have all fuel-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician and ensure vents and exhausts are clear of snow, debris, or obstructions. Heat your home safely. Never use ovens or portable generators for heat. Portable generators need to be a minimum of 20 feet from the house to prevent carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Keep kids and pets away from matches and candles. Finally, the most important step: make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home – and test them weekly to ensure they are working properly.

Men's Journal: How quickly can carbon monoxide kill someone?

Stephanie Berzinski: The speed at which carbon monoxide can lead to death depends on the individual as well as the parts per million (PPM) in the air. While lower PPM may not lead to death, it can have long-term effects on your health. The small amounts that are caused by heating appliances are normally vented to the outside and don’t build up inside. But it’s important to have a properly installed carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to exposure, so you can get out right away if there’s a leak. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to smoke and CO, so it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms, allowing you to notice them earlier.

Men's Journal: What is the most important thing that people can do to protect themselves and their loved ones from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Stephanie Berzinski: Always be prepared with a working CO alarm, no matter where you are. Kidde will soon introduce new carbon monoxide alarms, including models that detect low-levels of carbon monoxide. These devices will allow you to take action against CO sooner and help protect you, your family and your pets.

Men's Journal: What are the early warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning that people commonly mistake for something else, like the flu or a hangover?

Stephanie Berzinski: CO is dubbed the “silent killer” for a reason – you cannot see it and it has no taste or smell, and initial poisoning symptoms can be confused with the flu. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches. The key difference is that there’s typically no fever with carbon monoxide poisoning. The symptoms also tend to disappear when a person gets fresh air. These are all warning signs. If you experience those symptoms and suspect they might be from CO exposure, leave the house and contact emergency services immediately. Do not re-enter your home.

Men's Journal: How far away from furniture, curtains, and beds should space heaters be placed?

Stephanie Berzinski: According to the FDNY, space heaters should be placed at least 3 feet away from combustibles, such as blankets, curtains and newspapers, which can all easily catch fire.

Men's Journal: How many house fires are caused by space heaters annually?

Stephanie Berzinski: According to the NFPA, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 37,365 fires involving heating equipment per year from 2020-2024, accounting for 11% of all reported home fires during this time. Those fires result in an estimated annual 417 civilian deaths.

Men's Journal: Is it safe to leave a space heater running overnight while you sleep? What about when you leave the house? What should people never do with space heaters?

Stephanie Berzinski: It is generally not safe to leave a space heater running overnight while you sleep or when you leave the house. Space heaters are a leading cause of home fires, and they should never be left unattended.

Men's Journal: What should people never do with space heaters?

Never plug them into extension cords or power strips, as this causes overheating and fires. Always keep heaters at least 3 feet from flammable materials and never place them on furniture or carpet.

Men's Journal: How far away from your home should a generator be placed? Can you give me the specific distance in feet?

Stephanie Berzinski: According to NFPA Generatory Safety Tip Sheet, NFPA 37 standards, stationary generators should be installed at least 5 feet from any combustible wall or openings in walls (doors/windows). However, for safety, many guidelines recommend placing generators at least 20 to 25 feet away from the home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Men's Journal: Why can running a generator in a garage, even with the door open, still be deadly?

Stephanie Berzinski: Running a generator in a garage even with the door open is extremely dangerous. Even with the door open, CO can build up to unsafe levels and seep into your home. 

Men's Journal: How long does it take for dangerous carbon monoxide levels to build up in a car if the exhaust pipe is blocked by snow?

Stephanie Berzinski: According to the CDC, you should always check to make sure your vehicle’s tailpipe is clear of snow before you drive after a storm. That is because the Cleveland Clinic states that it can take fewer than five minutes to get carbon monoxide poisoning, if high concentrations of carbon monoxide build up in a car.

Men's Journal: What should people check for carbon monoxide detectors when they check into a hotel or Airbnb?

Stephanie Berzinski: It is best practice to always check that smoke and CO alarms are present and working upon arrival to your hotel or rental property. We recommend calling your hotel or rental property ahead of time to ask about their smoke and CO detectors and safety protocols. Also, ask important safety questions like where your room is in relation to emergency exits and how many detectors are in and around your space. Kidde’s Destination Safety program and Travel Safety Checklist is a great resource for travelers to keep handy. It includes general CO safety information and helpful tips for travelers to consider while they are away from home. 

Men's Journal: Exactly how many carbon monoxide detectors should an average-sized home have, and where specifically should they be placed?

Stephanie Berzinski: The NFPA recommends alarms be installed on every level of a home and outside sleeping areas. For added detection, Kidde also recommends installing CO alarms in every bedroom. We also recommend carbon monoxide alarms be placed 5-20 feet from sources of CO, such as your furnace, water heater or fireplace. Ensure you aren’t covering or obstructing your alarms and test your CO alarms weekly to ensure they’re in good working order.

Men's Journal: Where should carbon monoxide detectors be installed on a wall? Does height matter?

Stephanie Berzinski: Carbon monoxide (CO) and combination alarms should be mounted in or near bedrooms and living areas, on a wall placed six inches below the ceiling to six inches above the floor. If mounting on a ceiling, make sure it is at least six inches away from the wall. Because carbon monoxide is almost the same density as air, it will disperse evenly throughout the air in a room. Our units have been tested and will perform between 40 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Kidde provides a helpful guide on the best placement for alarms.

Men's Journal: How often should chimneys be inspected, and what are the warning signs that your fireplace or chimney is creating a carbon monoxide risk?

Stephanie Berzinski: Chimneys should be inspected by a professional at least once a year, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Men's Journal: Can you still get CO poisoning from a gas fireplace?

Stephanie Berzinski: Yes, you can still get carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from a gas fireplace, particularly if it is improperly installed, maintained, or vented.

Men's Journal: What should you do if your carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Stephanie Berzinski: If your carbon monoxide (CO) detector goes off, evacuate everyone (including your pets) immediately to fresh air and call 911. Do not re-enter until emergency responders clear the home.