Winter brings more home fire risk, and that matters to Soldiers. According to the U.S. Army article, Fort McCoy's Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Council met Oct. 20 to focus on winter safety and fire prevention. Installation Safety Manager Ed De Leon led the safety briefing, which covered homes and workplaces.
The briefing said December, January, and February are peak months for home fires. It also said cooking is the leading cause of home fires, followed by heating equipment. The highest number of incidents happens between 4 and 9 p.m., while overnight hours carry the highest fatality risk. Junior leaders can use these patterns when talking with Soldiers and families before the cold season peaks.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors were a major focus. The article says residents should test smoke alarms monthly and place alarms on every level of a home and near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible, toxic gas made by fuel-burning equipment such as furnaces. Checking batteries and detector placement is a simple task a squad can complete together.
Space heaters need extra care in both homes and workplaces. The briefing advised keeping anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment. It also said electric space heaters should plug directly into wall outlets, not extension cords or power strips. Heaters should be turned off when no one is watching them, and avoiding oil-filled or kerosene heaters in workplace settings was recommended.
The briefing also reviewed seasonal checks that help households get ready for colder months. These included testing alarms, checking emergency kits, reviewing family fire escape plans, and cleaning dryer vents. The end of daylight-saving time on Nov. 1 was a reminder to complete these tasks. Leaders can discuss which checks their Soldiers can finish before winter weather arrives.
This article describes an installation safety meeting, not a new Army-wide rule. Its value for NCOs is the set of practical habits it describes. Leaders might ask their teams which checks they already do and which ones they skip. Small-unit leaders can also review heater rules in motor pools, offices, and barracks. Readers should check their own installation's guidance for local requirements.
Source: U.S. Army: Fort McCoy October SOHAC meeting focuses on winter safety, fire prevention. Published 2026-10-28.