Colder Temps Bring Risk for Fires in Homes

With a fresh layer of snow on the ground, temperatures will be turning colder – with highs only in the teens across eastern Iowa next week – and that means many of us will be making extra efforts to stay warm.

Delaware County Emergency Management is reminding everyone to be fire safe in their homes.

Colder temperatures significantly increase the risk of house fires due to increased reliance on heating sources, such as space heaters, electric blankets, fire places and wood stoves, along with placing a strain on electrical systems and heating equipment.

Emergency Management Coordinator Mandy Bieber is encouraging Delaware County residents to use extreme caution when using such devices. She also recommends checking smoke detectors to ensure that they are operating correctly.