WINTRY WEATHER: It’s December in Pennsylvania, which means the heat’s on!

It’s time to familiarize ourselves once again with home fire prevention steps.

Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster and tragically take seven lives every day in this country, according to the American Red Cross.

The Greater Pennsylvania Region responds to 30% more home fires in November through March than in warmer months. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires are most common in cooler months when people spend more time inside. Cooking and heating equipment are the leading causes of these crises.

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires — a risk that increases with the upcoming cooler weather. Always be sure to provide at least three feet of space for all heating equipment — make sure furniture, rugs and drapes are far enough away. Never leave space heaters unattended.

Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. That’s because an alarm increases the chances that you can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time that fire experts say you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.

Test your smoke alarms, practice fire drills and include at least two ways to get out of every room. Select a meeting spot a safe distance away from your home.

It’s important for everyone to be prepared for home fires.

For more information, including safety tips and free resources, visit redcross.org/homefires or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in app stores.

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TODAY: Today is National Gazpacho Day, which recognizes a flavorful soup that cooks serve cold.

This typically tomato-based vegetable soup originated in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia.