Our area is expecting
freezing weather over the next several days; we would like to remind everyoneto be safe as heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home
fires.

·        Keepanything that can burn at least three (3) feet away from heating equipment such
as a fireplace or a space heater.

·        Make sure to keep children at least three (3) feet away from fireplaces, space heaters, as well as open fires.

·        Youroven should never be used to heat your home.

·        If
you are replacing heating equipment in your home, make sure to have itinstalled by professionals in accordance with local codes and manufacturers’
instructions.

·        Haveyour chimney and heating system cleaned and inspected each year by a
professional.

·        Turnoff space heaters when you leave a room or go to bed. 

·        Make
sure your fireplace has a protective screen to keep sparks from flying into theroom.  Make sure ashes are cool before
putting them into a metal container and make sure the container is kept at asafe distance away from your home.

·        Test
smoke alarms at least once a month.

For more information about heat safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Association at http://www.nfpa.org/ .