Cold weather safety tips

The San Antonio Fire Department has the following safety tips for residents during the winter:

• Have your central heating system inspected and serviced prior to the season's first use.
• Have a professional chimney sweep inspect your chimney and fireplace annually for cracks, blockages and leaks. Have it cleaned or repaired as needed.
• Burn only seasoned hardwood in your fireplace. Trash, cardboard boxes and related items burn unevenly and may contain toxins.
• Be sure that the flue (vent) is opened prior to lighting your fireplace.
• Do not use your stove to heat your home.
• Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture or curtains. Do not use them to dry clothing.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when space heaters or fireplaces are in use.
• Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside your home or a closed garage.
• Never leave a car with the motor running inside a closed space where exhaust fumes can not escape.
• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors! They are your early warning device for a fire in your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the sound it makes.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors according to manufacturer's instructions.

The San Antonio Fire Department has installed more than 10,000 free smoke detectors in homes throughout the city. Do you need one? Call the United Way Helpline at 211 and request yours today.