Staying Warm and Safe by Meredith Keymel

When it's cold outside and you want to warm up, be aware of the risks involved. Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe and warm:

• USE FLASHLIGHTS for lighting as opposed to candles when the power goes out.
   
• CHECK SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS to make sure they are working properly. Replace batteries when necessary.
   
• INSPECT FIREPLACES & WOOD STOVES. BURN WOOD ONLY - not paper or pine boughs. Use a sturdy screen when burning fires.
   
• BE CAUTIOUS WITH PORTABLE SPACE HEATERS they are a fire hazard! Keep them three feet away from combustibles (i.e. wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets & people). Do not leave space heaters unattended, including when you go to bed. Keep kids and pets away and do not use space heaters to dry wet clothes.
   
• USE GENERATORS CORRECTLY. When there is a power outage, keep generators outdoors. DO NOT OPERATE GENERATOR INSIDE, including in basement or garage. Connect equipment you want to power directly to outlets on generator. DO NOT hook up generator directly to your home's wiring, this is an UNSAFE METHOD for supplying power.