PREVENTING WINTER HOUSE FIRES: There is something special about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. This winter, the Oak Ridge Fire Department wants to make sure all residents have the information they need to help ensure a safe and sound winter:

• • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
• • Give space heaters space! They account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths
• • Turn off or unplug decorative lights when you’re not home; use a timer
• • Inspect cords for frayed wires, damaged sockets, and signs of wear & tear; When in doubt, toss it out!
• • Avoid overloading outlets & running extension cords long distances
• • Schedule a fireplace inspection and cleaning
• • Keep a fire extinguisher handy

As always, make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home. You can contact the Oak Ridge Fire Department for free smoke alarms, inspections, and installations by calling (865) 425-FIRE (3473) or visiting oakridgetn.gov/fire to fill out the online form.