No matter what season it is, there are many fire hazards that have disastrous potential if they are overlooked. However, the winter months are a busy time of year for many fire departments due to the additional safety concerns that accompany cold weather. From an unmonitored fireplace to poor placement of electrical appliances, being mindful of common fire starters takes a small amount of effort - but it can prevent a big problem.

Many homes rely on the use of space heaters to keep the cold out, but these little devices are one of the most common causes of house fires. Space heaters should be placed far away from anything remotely flammable, including window curtains, blankets and bed sheets. Fireplaces are another heating method that should be used carefully; a fire can quickly get out of control if fueled with treated wood, plywood or accelerants such as gasoline. Although it might be tempting to get rid of leftover wrapping paper by tossing it into the fireplace, anything other than natural wood should be kept out of the flames. Even when using the proper fuel, a fireplace should never be left unattended while it is in use.

Now that the holidays are over, many households have gotten rid of seasonal fire hazards such as stockings above the fireplace and precariously hung Christmas lights. But many families tend to keep their Christmas tree up for a few weeks after the holiday. To prevent Christmas trees from becoming dry and extra flammable, people should water their trees regularly until they are disposed of.

Another common mistake made during the wintertime is using a chimney that has not been regularly cleaned and inspected. Homeowners who use chimneys should schedule an inspection once a year to ensure that residual chrysene has not accumulated in the flue liner; the flue liner funnels smoke from the fireplace out of the home, and chrysene buildup increases the probability of a chimney fire. Older chimneys in particular should be inspected often, as many are prone to cracking due to being made from terracotta.

According to the East Petersburg Fire Company's website, fires are estimated to cause 4,000 deaths and 30,000 serious injuries in America annually. Approximately two-thirds of fatal incidents occur inside victims' homes, and more fire-related deaths are attributed to smoke inhalation than the fires themselves. By taking simple precautions such as establishing a fire escape plan, checking the batteries in smoke detectors and avoiding overloaded power outlets, you can stop a catastrophe before it even begins.