Oklahoma Insurance Department issues winter home fire safety guidance as heaters and fireplaces return to use

Colder weather brings predictable fire risks inside the home

As Oklahoma moves deeper into the heating season, the Oklahoma Insurance Department is urging residents to take preventive steps to reduce the risk of house fires and related losses. The agency’s message centers on routine winter activities that can quickly become dangerous when heating equipment, cooking appliances and household electrical systems are used more heavily.

National fire data underscores why the winter safety push matters. In 2023, cooking remained the leading cause of residential building fires in the United States, followed by other unintentional and careless causes, heating, and electrical malfunction fires. Heating-related fires tend to rise during colder months when furnaces, fireplaces and portable heaters are operating for longer periods.

Practical steps: supervision, spacing and maintenance

The state agency’s guidance emphasizes supervision of heat sources and safe clearances. Residents are advised not to leave stoves, ovens, fireplaces or space heaters unattended and to ensure they are turned off before leaving home or going to bed. The agency also warns against using a kitchen stove or oven as a substitute heat source, citing fire danger and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Another core recommendation is maintaining a safe perimeter around heat. Items that can burn should be kept at least three feet from heating sources, including space heaters and fireplaces. For portable electric heaters, the guidance recommends plugging units directly into wall outlets instead of using extension cords.

• Keep combustibles at least three feet from heaters, fireplaces and other heat sources.
• Do not use ovens or stovetops for home heating.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet; avoid overloading circuits.
• Do not use damaged cords; unplug unused devices.
• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected before use; use a fireplace screen.
• Consider an electrical inspection in older homes where wiring may be outdated.

Smoke alarms and readiness to respond

The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s guidance also focuses on early warning and rapid response. Residents are urged to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, test them monthly, and replace batteries as needed. Devices that have reached the end of their service life should be replaced. The agency recommends keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near exits.

Preventing home fires often depends on routine habits: attention while cooking, safe heater placement, and basic maintenance before winter use.

Insurance readiness: coverage review and documentation

Beyond prevention, the agency advises homeowners and renters to review their insurance coverage to confirm it is adequate for the home and belongings they currently have. Residents are also encouraged to create or update a home inventory, including photos or video documentation of possessions, to streamline claims handling if a fire occurs.

The agency’s overall message is that seasonal preparation—paired with everyday caution—can lower the likelihood of injuries, property loss and costly claims during Oklahoma’s colder months.