Homeowners / Renters: Keep Warm, but Also Safe

 Cold weather brings with it many fire safety hazards, including fireplaces, space heaters, and decorative holiday candles, just to name a few.  Keep your home and loved ones warm, but also safe, with this checklist from the Home Safety Council:
Smoke Alarms

• Have you installed smoke alarms on every level of your home and near every sleeping area?
• Do you test your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are working, and replace the batteries every year?
• Do you replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older? 

Fire Escape Plans

• Have you identified two exits for every room?
• Does your family have a designated meeting place outside?
• Does your family practice a fire escape plan twice a year?
• Is every family member familiar with your fire escape plan?

Fire Prevention

• Do you keep things that burn away from your fireplace?
• Do you have a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace?
• Do you have space heaters, chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves, and furnaces inspected once a year and cleaned regularly?
• Do you keep space heaters at least three feet from combustibles, such as curtains or newspapers?
• Do you stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?
• Do you keep an eye on burning candles?
• Do you keep candles out of the reach of children and pets?
• Are you careful not to overload outlets, extension cords, and power strips?

Source: Western Reserve Group Newsletter, November 2010

Here's another informative article from Western Reserve Group: Fire Safety for Supplemental Heat

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The information in this article is meant as a guideline only. There is nothing in this publication that alters the coverage or interpretation of any specific policy. Because some statements are generalizations, and because different companies’ policies contain slight differences, please refer to your specific policy. Call our office before making any judgments or decisions concerning your particular situation and coverage that may or may not apply.