With cold weather creeping in, it’s time to think about heating your home.

Here are ten tips you can take, today, to help your family stay safe this winter:

1. Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home, and inside and outside each sleeping area.
2. Make sure that the cooking area is free from items that can catch fire, like dish towels or pot holders.
3. Check your electrical cords to verify that they are not frayed or cracked.
4. Never leave children and pets with unattended with candles.
5. Clean out your clothes dryer lint filter and venting system (this should also improve how well your dryer works!)
6. Carbon monoxide alarms should be located on each level of the home. And, yes, you can take the “two birds, one stone” approach by buying a combination CO2/Smoke Alarm unit!
7. Move furniture and other items that can catch fire so that they are at least 3-feet from fireplaces, wall heaters, baseboards, and space heaters.
8. HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN with two ways out of each room!
9. KNOW WHERE TO MEET ONCE YOU ARE OUT OF THE HOUSE!
10. PRACTICE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN!

You can help community members in your area receive a free smoke alarm installation by donating to Operation Save-A-Life, the home fire prevention program offered through the Red Cross.

For a more thorough look at fire safety in your home, check out this Home Fire Safety Checklist.