As cold weather continues, Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson is once again reminding Hoosiers to be careful with alternative heating sources. He notes that house fires occur more often in winter, and much of that is due to alternative heating. If you need to use a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from other objects, especially anything that’s flammable.
Before using a fireplace, make sure it’s been cleaned by a certified professional. Use only dry, seasoned firewood, and don’t close the damper while there are still hot ashes in the fireplace.
Also, avoid kitchen fires by cleaning grease from burners and stovetops and staying in the kitchen while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
