The much awaited winters are here! By following the safety tips outlined below, you can learn to identify
potential hazards associated with the use of home-heating equipment during this weather.

	Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipments and ensure you maintain a three feet "kid-free zone" too.
	Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, do not use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by moisture.
	If you are having centralized heating at home, have a qualified professional to service it atleast 2 to 3 weeks in advance and ensure it is clean and ventilated to the outside.
	Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. Also, never use an extension cord on these portable heaters. It’s best if you plug them directly into an electrical outlet.
	The most important of all is to install smoke alarms that are equipped with a battery back up in your home. Make sure that smoke alarms are on every level of the home. Test the alarms monthly, and change the batteries at least once a year.