EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

To ensure winter house fire safety, maintain a 3-foot clearance around all heating equipment, regularly inspect and maintain furnaces and chimneys, and use portable heaters responsibly by turning them off when leaving the room or sleeping. Additionally, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, have a family escape plan, and ensure flammable materials like curtains are not near heat sources. 

Heating safety

• Maintain clearance: Keep anything that can burn, including furniture, curtains, and blankets, at least three feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, and radiators.
• Use heaters correctly: Never use an oven to heat your home. Only use portable heaters that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (like UL) and never use extension cords with them.
• Turn off heaters: Turn off portable heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Maintain furnaces and chimneys: Have your furnace serviced annually. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year.
• Make sure vents are clear: Ensure all vents are free of snow and ice so carbon monoxide can vent outside. 

Fireplace and wood stove safety 

• Use a screen: Always use a sturdy glass or metal screen in front of a fireplace to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Never close a hot damper: Make sure a fireplace fire is completely out before you go to sleep. Never close the damper with hot ashes still inside, as this can force carbon monoxide into your home.
• Store ashes safely: Discard cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container, and place the container outside, away from the house. 

General fire safety

• Install and test detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least annually. Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.
• Create an escape plan: Make a plan that includes at least two ways out of every room and a designated meeting spot outside. Practice this plan at least twice a year.
• Never burn charcoal indoors: Charcoal produces lethal levels of carbon monoxide when burned indoors.
• Be careful with candles: Never leave burning candles unattended and keep them away from flammable items.
• Keep cords safe: Do not run electrical cords under rugs or carpeting, as friction can cause a short circuit.