Wintertime is the time to fire up the fireplaces, turn on the furnace, and get that space heater out of storage. It's also the time when the risk of residential fire increases dramatically.

Fireplaces:

• Inspect your chimney regularly for cracks and obstructions.
• Don't let creosote build up in your chimney. It could set your roof on fire.
• Don't "over build" your fire using too much paper. You could ignite the soot in your chimney.
• Never burn charcoal in your fireplace. It gives off deadly carbon monoxide.
• Keep your damper open if there are hot ashes in your fireplace. Closing the damper could enable hot ashes to heat up and cause a damaging fire.
• Let ashes cool in a sealed metal container.

Furnaces:

• Before you turn on your furnace, have it inspected by a qualified professional.
• Make sure to check the condition of the automatic controls and emergency shutoffs.
• Are the walls and ceiling around your furnace hot? If so, add insulation or additional clearance space.
• Keep all trash and combustibles away from the furnace.
• Check your chimney for cracks or loose bricks.
• Seal all unused flue openings with solid masonry.

Space Heaters:

• Make sure your space heater has a working safety light, alarm, automatic shut-off switch, and a cut-off device for overheating.
• Keep all objects, people and pets at least three feet away from the heater.
• Never use a space heater in your bathroom. Water and electric appliances don't mix.

Click here for holiday fire safety tips.