New Hanover Fire Rescue stresses safety after preventable house fire

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — There have been several home fires in our area recently as people look to heat their homes in the cold weather.  

New Hanover Fire Rescue is stressing the importance of fire safety, especially when it comes to smoke detectors. 

At home fire in Murrayville Monday, fire fighters found that the home didn’t have any working smoke detectors.  

Captain Kevin McDonald with New Hanover Fire Rescue said a lack of smoke detectors in homes are more common than you might think.  

He said you need to have a smoke detector on at least every floor of your home, and be sure to check the batteries monthly.  

Mcdonald added having that smoke detector can sometimes be the difference between keeping or completely losing your home.  

“It’s going to be eyes and ears for you when you’re asleep, when you’re not home, even when your home and not paying attention to it, it’s always going to be observing,” McDonald said. 

Mcdonald also recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in your home—in the kitchen or near exits. 

McDonald noted you can check if your fire extinguisher is in date using the attached tag.  

As for using it, pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, and use a sweeping motion to extinguish. 

If you’re using a fireplace or space heater, be sure your chimney is clear and that you have plenty of space.  

“Make sure that you have good, well-ventilated spaces and that there’s good clear area around whatever auxiliary device you’re going to use,” McDonald said. 

You should also always plug your space heater directly into the wall outlet and not use any extension cords or surge protectors. 

Mcdonald added if you need help installing your smoke detector or can’t afford one, the department has a program for that.  Just reach out to Community Risk Reduction Coordinator Briney Melvin at 910-798-7336 for more information.