Clear snow from vents, use space heaters safely and other fire prevention tips

The National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration offer the following precautions to prevent home fires.

• Never use an extension cord with a space heater and keep anything that burns at least three feet from the space heater.

• Have chimney and dryer vents professionally inspected and cleaned annually.

• Make sure all exterior vents for furnace, stove, fireplaces and dryers are clear of snow and other debris.

• Plug only one heat-producing appliance (space heater, coffee maker, microwave) at a time into a wall outlet.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns and never leave them unattended. The NFPA advises using battery operated, flameless candles instead.

• Use light bulbs that match the wattage of the lamp or fixture.

• Take care when using portable generators during power outages as they can pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, as well as fire hazards.

For more information, visit nfpa.org or www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/.