SJFD shares home saftey tips to prevent fires

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The temperatures have been colder than usual lately, prompting residents to turn up the heat in their homes. 

The St. Joseph Fire Department shared some tips on their Facebook page to prevent the heat from becoming a fire.

Cooking incidents are the number one cause of house fires, according to SJFD.

Turning off unattended kitchen appliances when frying, grilling, boiling and broiling. Keeping combustible products away from heat, such as paper products and towels. 

Anything that can burn should be kept at least 3 feet away from heaters, stoves, fireplaces and furnaces. 

Portable heaters should be turned off when leaving a room or sleeping and never plugged into an extension cord.

Replace damaged cords and properly route running cords to avoid contact with flammable objects.

If a grease fire starts, do not use water to put it out.

Always make sure to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors ready. Having them tested and fully charged is vital for their use.