Fire chiefs give tips for winter fire safety

With winter setting in, Boundary County Fire Chiefs asks residents and business owners to shovel snow from nearby fire hydrants should they be needed.

Other things to remember include:

• Keeping all external gas shutoffs, gas meters and electric service shutoffs clear of snow.

• Keeping driveways plowed for emergency vehicles, which are heavy and get stuck easily in deep snow.

• Having a reflective address sign at the end of driveways and make sure they are visible above the snow line.

• Making sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly.

• Having the heating system tuned up each year. For those who heat with wood, have the chimney connection and flue inspected and cleaned each year. Make sure the stove is on an approved surface to protect floors and walls from heat.

• Heating only with approved heat sources, do not use heaters that are not properly vented.

• Not using electric heaters with extension cords, plug directly into wall outlets.

• Keeping live Christmas trees well watered and away from any heat sources or open flames.