As winter approaches and we pull out those space heaters, stack the logs for the fire place and turn up our thermostats, remember and heed to these few but precious life saving tips to help you keep warm and safe this winter season.

• Have your fuel burning appliances professionally checked once a year and whenever you suspect a problem.

• Keep all combustibles away from any heating device. All space heaters must have ample space, at least three feet away from any combustible object or wall, and remember to unplug it when not in use. Avoid using electric space heaters in bathrooms, or other areas where they may come in contact with water.

• If you have a fireplace, keep the fires small and always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Never use your fireplace to burn trash or paper. Remove ashes in a metal container and store them outside, well away from the house. Never leave children unattended in the presence of fire.

• Check your smoke detectors regularly and keep them clear of dust and debris. Change your batteries at-least twice a year.

• Have a fire escape plan. Know at least two ways out of every room and designate a meeting place outside of your home. Share the plan with your family members and practice it regularly. If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.

• Carbon monoxide is also a serious problem this time of year. The Bureau of Fire Prevention urges everyone to have a working carbon monoxide detector in their home.

• To ensure safety, always follow manufacturer instructions on all appliances.

Other Fire Safety Tips

• ·Never use a range or an oven as a supplementary heating devise. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.

• ·If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load.

• ·Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame, (otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space). Use hot water or a UL labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing.

• ·If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.

• ·When displaying holidays lights, check the cords for fraying. If the wires are worn or frayed do not uses them. Never string together more lights than the manufacturer recommends.

Last year in over 4000 died as a result of fire. 85 % of the fire deaths occurred in residential occupancies. Many lives could have been saved if only working smoke detectors and an escape plan had been in place. Please take a moment to check your smoke detectors and plan an escape route. For more information please contact the Berlin Borough Fire Prevention Bureau at 767-6839.: