Seasonal precautions can prevent more fires

As sharply colder temperatures hit Wichita this week, so did a scary outbreak of residential fires, including one early Wednesday that killed a 9-year-old boy and left a family and school community grieving. Residents know to be prepared while traveling in freezing weather but should exercise similar care around their homes. Install and test smoke detectors. Have furnaces serviced and fireplaces cleaned out. Use space heaters safely, taking care not to overload electrical cords. Such seasonal precautions can and will save lives and property. – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published November 13, 2014 at 6:03 PM.