Are heaters in your home close to curtains, newspapers, or other flammable materials? Heating is the second leading cause of fire death for older adults. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department wants to make sure you’ll stay warm and safe this winter and offers these life-saving tips:

– When purchasing a space heater, only purchase one with a safety feature that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.

– Space heaters need space. Maintain at least 36 inches of clearance around heaters.

– When using a fireplace, keep the fire inside the fireplace by making sure you have a fireplace screen large enough to stop flying sparks and rolling logs.

– Have your chimney inspected at least once a year. Tar build-up inside of the chimney can cause the chimney, roof, and the whole house to catch fire.

– Keep your furnace clean and have it inspected regularly. Remember to change the filter to help it run more efficiently.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke detector. You should have one smoke detector on each level of your home and one in each bedroom. Replace the smoke detector batteries twice per year.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department wants you to have a warm and safe winter.

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