According to the NFPA, December-March are peak months for home fire deaths and to help you avoid those we’ve listed some winter fire safety tips: Portable space heaters have an automatic shut-off. Space heaters will be plugged directly into an outlet (not an extension cord) and placed at least three feet from anything that can burn; like bedding, paper, walls, and even people. Chimneys and vents have been cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Wood for fireplaces or wood stove is dry, seasoned wood. Fireplace screen is metal or heat-tempered glass, in good condition and secure in its position in front of the fireplace. Children know to stay at least 3 feet away from the fireplace, stove or space heaters. Smoke alarms have been tested and made sure they are working. (You need smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. For the best protection, the smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.) Check carbon monoxide alarms and made sure they are working. (Carbon monoxide alarms should be located outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.) (Source: National Fire Protection Association)