Winter Fire Safety

1. Make sure your lights are UL listed.

2. Inspect light sets for fraying, cracked or damaged insulation, exposed conductors and discard if unsafe.

3. Don't overload circuits.  It is easy to exceed the capacity of cords in this time of year.

4. Use heavy-duty grounded extension cords whenever possible.

5. Don't run cords under rugs or in places where they can get pinched or walked on.

6. Keep your live tree watered to keep it live.  A teaspoon of sugar in the water will extend the life of your tree.

7. Keep your tree away from candles, portable heaters and fireplaces.  When you get your tree home, cut one inch off the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the holder.

8. Unplug lights when leaving home or sleeping.

9. Do not place your tree where it can block you escape routes from your home.

10. Outside light sets should be taken down after the holidays to prevent the insulation from degrading.

11. Keep glass ornaments away from infants.

12. Poinsettia and Mistletoe berries are poisonous.  Place these items out of pet and children's reach.

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Fires from candles are on the rise due to the increased popularity and use of candles.  Make sure candles are extinguished before going to bed or leaving your home.  Candles should be placed in secure, sturdy glass or metal holders to contain wax.  Do not place candles near papers, combustible materials, near curtains or drapes, and out of the reach of pets and children.

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Get ready for the Winter heating season.  Have a qualified Service Technician check out and service your furnace.  A thorough cleaning, burner test and tune-up will not only keep you and your family warm, but it may save $$ in fuel costs.

Fireplaces and wood stoves should be cleaned and your chimney swept at least annually.  Many professional chimney sweeps can video your chimney, checking for cracks, holes and other potential problems.

Space heaters need space!  Maintain at least three feet of clearance between space heaters and furniture.  Unplug space heaters when leaving or going to bed.  Make sure you place the heater where it will not be knocked over by small children or pets.

Portable Kerosene Heaters need the proper fuel.  Use only kerosene in your heater.  Always refuel the heater outside.  Make sure your container for kerosene is yellow, and NEVER put gas into a kerosene container or heater.  The wick should be adjusted or trimmed to keep your heater burning properly.  Keep the unit out of the path of pets and small children.  Remember, kerosene heaters are not permitted in apartments, businesses or condominiums!

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