Did you know that winter months are the most deadly for fires? The increased risk in winter is due in part to more cooking and heating fires, holiday decorations, winter storms, and use of alternative heating sources such as kerosene heaters and wood stoves.

If there is a fire, immediately call 9-1-1. Waiting may cause a much larger fire.

• Clear snow away from fire hydrants located on or near your property. Do it TODAY!
• Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.
• Only use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters if they are properly
  vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space. Electric, plugin
  heaters can generally be used without venting.
• If you use space heaters, wood stoves, or other heat-producing objects, maintain at
  least three feet of clearance between combustibles and your heat source.
• Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors—the fumes are deadly.
• Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep, and never leave your
  children or pets alone near these heat sources.
• Plug heat sources directly into the wall rather than into a power strip or extension cord
  so you won’t overload electrical circuits.
• If you use a chimney, have it inspected annually and cleaned when needed. Be sure the
  ashes are cool before disposing, and use a metal container with a tightly fitted lid to
  store ashes. Ashes can take up to four days to cool down, so keep the container away
  from the house, deck, porch or anything that can burn!
• If you use a kerosene heater, avoid overfilling and never fill while it is operating or hot.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.