Follow these winter safety tips outlined below to reduce the risks of fire to your home.
1. Have your chimney, furnace, etc inspected each year.
2. Do not burn wrapping paper or Christmas tree limbs in the fireplace. They burn very quickly, throwing off sparks and
possibly causing the creosote that has previously accumulated in the chimney to ignite.
3. Always use a screen in front of the fireplace. Also consider using a fire-resistant carpet or mat (made for fireplaces) on
the floor in front of the fireplace.
4. Use your space heaters wiselya.
Clear a 3-foot area around space heaters.
b. Unplug space heater when not in use.
c. Purchase a space heater that will automatically shut off if it falls.
d. Plug electric portable space heaters directly into wall sockets, not into an extension cord.
5. Do not put comforters, bedspreads, or anything else on top of an electric blanket while it is turned on. Do not tuck your
electric blanket into your mattress.
6. Review your fire escape plan with your family.
7. Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm. Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke
and carbon monoxide alarms each month.
8. Avoid using lighted candles altogether. Try safer alternatives such as battery-powered candles. Never leave a burning
candle unattended and don’t let candles burn completely.
9. Do not connect more than 3 strands of holiday lights together and check to make sure there are no tears in the coating or
exposed wires.
10. Water a real tree to keep it fresh, green, and full of needles. Dried-out trees can easily catch fire. If purchasing an
artificial tree, find one that is fire resistant.