Heating, lighting, and cooking dramatically increase during the winter months because people either prefer or are forced to stay in their homes. This also increases the risk of residential fires, making security systems necessary to keep your home protected.

Residents of Rochester, NY, can count on Action Security & Communications when it comes to installation of security systems. They provide quality products, including surveillance camera systems, burglar alarms, and smoke and fire alarms. They have been serving the community for over 30 years.

Below, the experts share five fire safety tips you should keep in mind for the winter:

• Make Sure Smoke Alarm Is Working: Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that are often taken for granted. A home is best protected if it has an effective, functional smoke alarm. To make sure yours is working, test it every month and replace the batteries every year.

• Don’t Leave The Kitchen Unattended: According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Ranges or cooktops accounted for 62% of these incidents. Always make sure you switch off kitchen appliances when they aren’t in use.

• Remember To Extinguish Candles: Candles are part of winter’s seasonal charm. It’s the time of year when people enjoy dining and drinking wine by candlelight. While candles make a home cozier, they are also fire hazards. Remember to put your candles out once you’re done using them.

• Keep Clothes Away From Heaters: Don’t leave clothing and other flammable materials near radiators and electric heaters. Place any heating device at least three feet away from anything combustible. When using heaters running on gas or oil, open the windows for ventilation.

• Develop A Fire Evacuation Plan: Call for a family meeting and discuss what to do if a fire breaks out. Everyone in your household should know all possible exits and escape routes. It would also help to draw the floor plan and mark the exits.

Let the experts at Action Security & Communications install the essential security systems you need at home. Call them at (585) 232-1410, or visit the website for more information.