And Remember to Keep Your Family Safe From Fire

The winter months, here in the Susquehanna Valley, are "Fire Season," as cooking and heating are the leading causes of home fires. 

The American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) havereleased results of a survey showing the majority (79%) of Americans are concerned about the rising cost of heating their homes, and many will use an alternative heating source (space heaters, stoves, ovens and fireplaces) to reduce their bills this winter. The survey also identified additional behaviors related to appliance maintenance and cooking that also contribute to home fire hazards this winter.

The American Red Cross offers these and other safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

• Give space heaters space by keeping them at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

For additional fire safety tips visit www.firepreventionweek.org or www.redcross.org/homefires.