By Haley Mitchell Godwin

As frigid temperatures and a historic snowstorm grip the area, local officials are urging residents to prioritize safety while staying warm. The combination of freezing weather and increased use of heating systems raises the risk of house fires and health hazards such as hypothermia and frostbite. Authorities emphasize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard homes and personal well-being during the winter season.

Preventing Winter Fire Hazards

Stephen Wilson, assistant chief of Highland Home Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, credited public education efforts with reducing structural fires in the region.

“The fire service as a whole has done a great job educating the public about fire safety,” Wilson said. “This has contributed to the decline in house fires in the area.”

To minimize the risk of house fires, officials recommend:

• Space heater safety: Never leave space heaters unattended, ensure cords are intact, and place them on level surfaces, away from furniture and flammable items.
• Fireplace maintenance: Clean fireplaces weekly during use and make sure embers are completely extinguished before leaving or going to sleep.
• General precautions: Inspect central heating units and fireplaces annually, keep children and pets away from heat sources, and maintain a three-foot clearance around heaters.

District 2 Commissioner Bo Mount expressed his gratitude for local volunteer fire departments and first responders in a Jan. 17 Facebook post, praising their dedication and lifesaving efforts following a recent electrical fire in his daughter’s home.

“I would like to thank some very important people in our community that give of their time and devotion selflessly- our volunteer fire departments and all the men and women who serve, especially Luverne Volunteer Fire Department, Chapel Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Rutledge Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Department. Thanks to their rapid response and skill sets, they were able to save my daughter’s trailer from an electrical fire. All of you are a blessing to this county.”

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Working smoke detectors are vital for home safety. Fire officials advise testing them monthly and replacing batteries twice a year. Homes with gas heating or fireplaces should also have carbon monoxide detectors.

“When the time to act arrives, the time to prepare has passed,” Alabama State Fire Marshal Scott Pilgreen said.

Pilgreen urged residents to have fireplaces inspected annually and avoid using hazardous materials such as gasoline or kerosene to start fires. He also warned against using ovens to heat homes, which can pose significant safety risks.

“Use proper materials to ignite fires, such as starter sticks, logs, and kindling,” Pilgreen said. “Do not use gasoline, charcoal starter, or kerosene—they can cause serious problems.”

Pilgreen added that all heating systems, whether electric or gas, should be serviced before use to ensure they are safe.

“My house is all electric, for instance,” he said. “You won’t have an open flame in that heating and air system. However, both gas and electric units can lead to fires if not properly maintained.”

“It’s about using common sense,” Pilgreen said. “Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and in most cases, everyone should be fine.”

Preparing for Power Outages

Winter storms often result in power outages. To prepare, officials recommend:

• Stocking up on essentials such as batteries, non-perishable food, and water.
• Charging electronic devices in advance.
• Using candles cautiously, keeping them away from flammable objects and never leaving them unattended.
• Operating generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Driving Precautions

Crenshaw County Emergency Management Agency Director Elliot Jones advises against traveling during severe winter weather. If travel is absolutely unavoidable, he recommends:

• Driving slowly and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Keeping an emergency kit in the car, including blankets, water, flashlights, and a first aid kit.

Resources for Residents

The Crenshaw County Fire Association, in partnership with the Alabama Fire College, offers free smoke detectors to county residents. For more information, contact your local fire department.

By combining fire safety practices with cold-weather preparedness, Crenshaw County residents can reduce risks and stay safe during the winter season. Staying informed and taking proactive measures can make all the difference in ensuring safety for yourself and your loved ones.