• Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
• Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
• Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
• Do not place a space heater within three feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The wrong size heater could produce more pollutants and may not be an efficient use of energy.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
• Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
• If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.
• Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.

• NEVER operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including homes, garages and basements. Generators quickly produce high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas.
• Keep the generator dry. To protect it from moisture, operate on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated in watts or amps at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
• Do not connect your generator directly to your household wiring, as this can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs.
• Make sure the generator is properly grounded.
• Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
• Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. And before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
• Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and maintenance.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended or burning while you sleep.
• Keep candles at least three feet from flammable or combustible items such as curtains, furniture and carpet.
• Light candles carefully. Keep jewelry, hair, and loose clothing away from the flame.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch.
• Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder.

Fall into a new habit

The change in seasons is a perfect time to make sure your smoke detector is working properly and to change the batteries.

• Check your detector by pushing the test button. If the unit isn't working, replace it. If it operates, you still need to replace the battery to make sure it's ready for the remainder of the warm months.
• Test your detector monthly and replace the batteries if necessary.
• If you have smoke detectors that are directly wired to your household current, make sure they also have battery backups. Otherwise, if the power goes out, the smoke detectors won't work.
• Remember that building codes require all new homes or additions to have hard-wired smoke detectors.
• Also remember to replace all smoke detectors after 10 years. You should also dust or vacuum your smoke detectors every three months or so.

• Have you tested your hot water and turned the temperature of your water heat down to 120 degrees or lower to reduce the risk of burns or scalds?
  
• Have your children memorize your address and phone number.
  
• Do you have a first-aid kit that is easily accessible and stocked with emergency items?
  
• Does your family practice a fire escape plan at least twice a year?
  
• Are all matches and lighters secured in a locked cabinet?
  
• Have you installed child safety locks on cabinets where hazardous materials are stored?
  
• Are unused electrical outlets covered with safety caps?
  
• Have you checked to make sure blind cords are not dangling low off windows and do not hang in a loop that could lead to strangulation?
  
• Have you carefully examined toys and pacifiers and removed those with small or broken parts that could be lodged in a child's throat, ears or nose?
  
• Have you checked the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to find out if your crib, toys or other home items have been recalled?
  

Beware of breaker box dangers

When working on your breaker box, keep these tips in mind:

• If you’re not a licensed electrician, never try to repair a fuse or breaker box. If you see broken or frayed wires, if certain circuits trip frequently, or if you notice any other problems, call an electrician.
• Never replace a blown fuse with a substitute, such as a penny, and always use the correct-sized fuse for replacement. A fuse that is too powerful can cause a fire hazard.
• If a fuse or circuit breaker frequently blows, you may have too many appliances, or appliances that may be too powerful, on that circuit. Try unplugging a few items. Then, if the circuit continues to blow, call an electrician – you may have a potentially serious problem.
• Always keep water away from the control panel.
• NEVER work on the electrical system while a control panel switch is on.
• If you have a power outage, check the control panel first. If your panel uses circuit breakers, reset it (them) from off to on. If you have fuses, look for the broken metal strip in the top of the blown fuse. Then, replace the fuse with one of the correct amperage.
  

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) vital for safety

GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) can help prevent electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit, it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to help prevent serious injury from electrical shock, says the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

Test GFCIs according to the manufacturer's instructions monthly and after major electrical storms to make sure they are working properly. Replace all GFCIs that are not working properly, but never replace a GFCI with a standard non-GFCI outlet or circuit breaker. Do not use an appliance or device that trips a GFCI on a non-GFCI-protected circuit; instead, take the appliance to authorized repair center to be checked for faulty wiring or replace it.

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