Expand / Collapse search
☰

Keeping your home safe during winter weather

By
Updated  January 11, 2024 5:13pm CST
Port Washington
FOX6 News Milwaukee

Home safety during winter weather

Another snow storm is on the way to the Milwaukee area, this time bringing a dangerous cold snap.

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. - Leaving your fireplace unattended can get you into some real danger.

Another snow storm is on the way to the Milwaukee area, this time bringing a dangerous cold snap. 

Temperatures will hit single digits next week. That's why now is the time to take action that could save your life.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

"One in six home fires are caused by heating appliances," said Port Washington Fire Department Deputy Chief Joe Deboer. "So obviously this time of the year, these things get the most use."

Deboer said he typically sees a spike in home fires during the colder months.

The main reason? Trying to stay warm.

"So furnaces, space heaters, cooking appliances, those types of things," he said.

If you plan to use a space heater, choose one that automatically shuts off and keep it three feet away from furniture. Additionally, don’t overload your outlets with electrical cords.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

Make sure you also turn it off when you're not around it and remember never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

"Not only does that increase the rates of fires, but it can also cause carbon monoxide exposure," Deboer said.

It’s not the only way the silent killer can strike.

Risk of frostbite, hypothermia

With bitter cold in the forecast, there is an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. UW Health's Dr. Bill Hartman joined FOX6 News to discuss staying safe outdoors.

"Make sure the snow is not in front of those vents because that can cause carbon monoxide issues inside your home," We Energies spokesperson Amy Jahns said.

Safety experts say smoke and toxic gasses kill more people than flames, but it’s almost always preventable.

"We want everyone to be safe, obviously," Deboer said.

FOX6 Weather Extras

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:

FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX6 News app

FOX Weather app

FOX Weather

Maps and radar

We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

FOX6 Weather Experts in social media