The Michigan fire marshal says an increase in the number of deaths from house fires this winter has him warning homeowners to be safe.
State officials say so far this year 18 people have died in house fires. That compares with last January, when there were nine.
Residential fires are always more common during cold winter months and snow can blocking vents, causing dangerous carbon monoxide buildups in homes. .
State fire marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer says even simple preventive measures can save lives
“And one thing that I would recommend is to close your door when you sleep, and if you know that you have a fire you have smoke alarms, there’s smoke in the hallways, move to a window and call 911, the idea there is then the firefighters could get you down out of the window. What we’re seeing a trend is folks who try to go through the house to get out.”
Sehlmeyer said it’s important to check smoke detectors at least monthly.
More tips on how to stay safe during winter months can be found here.