As a leading cause of home fires, heating safety is a concern for every community every winter. This year, with the projected increase in use of alternative heating equipment, families need to be especially vigilant to use all heating appliance properly.
Strafford Fire District is encouraging residents using pellet stoves, wood stoves, space heaters or any other home heating equipment this winter to follow this advice.

• Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at LEAST 3 Feet away from heating equipment Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary Use a sturdy fireplace screen Wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container Install smoke alarms in EVERY bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection interconnect all smoke alarms thoughout the home- when one sounds, they all sound. Test alarms at least once a month When using a fuel-burning portable heater, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer. When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area. Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside the sleeping area. Never use an oven to heat your home