• Have chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season.

• Always protect your family and home by using a sturdy screen when burning fires.

• Remember to burn only wood--never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of the chimney and ignite a neighboring home.

• If you are purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes.

• Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace.

• Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory and meets local fire codes and follow manufacturers' recommendations for proper use and maintenance.

• Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as you would for space heaters.

• Burn only wood, and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot coals.

• Be sure to check with your local fire department and check local codes before having your wood stove installed.

• Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets, and people.

• Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you go to bed.

• Don't leave children or pets unattended with space heaters, and be sure everyone knows that drying wet mittens or other clothing over space heaters is a fire hazard.

• When cooking, do not wear loose fitting clothing, which can be ignited by hot burners.

• Always turn pot handles in.

• Don't store items on the stove top; they could catch fire.

• Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition, and turn them off after use.

• Don't overload electrical outlets, and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires.

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