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Simple precautions can help you avoid fire hazards and electrical dangers.

There is nothing like curling up by the fire on a cold winter day. But heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. With a few simple steps, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

Stay cozy and safe this winter:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment like furnaces, radiators, fireplaces, electric or wood stoves and space heaters.
• Maintain a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around heating equipment.
• Plug heaters and electric fireplaces directly into wall outlets. Never use extension cords or power strips.
• Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an electrical outlet at a time.
• Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed
• Unplug heaters when not in use.
• Never use your oven to heat your home. 
• Test smoke alarms every month.
• Hire a qualified professional to install or service stationary heating equipment and water heaters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have your heating system, vents and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.