Colder weather means heated homes. Please practice these fire safe tips:

• If you use kerosene heaters, make sure it is in good working condition, inspect parts for carbon buildup, be sure it has an emergency shut-off in case it is tipped over, make sure you have proper room venting and never fill heater while it is in operation.
• When using wood stoves and fireplaces, never use flammable liquids to start the fire, have your chimney inspected annually, keep flammable materials away from the mantel or hearth, and use screens to prevent embers and sparks from jumping out.
• Furnace heating - it is important that you have your furnace inspected to make sure all controls and emergency shut-offs are in working conditions, do not attempt repairs-leave it to professionals, check the flue pipe and seams and keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.
• Be bright about lights! Don't use lights with worn insulation, broken plugs and loose sockets. They can cause fires, shocks and even electrocution!