By Chief David Scutt

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 25,000 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if they only had the information they needed to avoid disaster.

Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Deaths caused by winter fires are particularly avoidable.

The following life-saving tips could make a difference to you and your families.

1. Make sure your space heaters have an emergency shut off in case they tip over. Only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never refill a space heater while it is still hot or operating. Refuel outside away from the house.

2. Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support, and adequate ventilation. Never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline) to start or accelerate a fire.

3. Have your furnace and chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Chimney tar build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.

4. Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting carpets or furniture.

5. Never thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand held dryer.

6. Dispose of hot ashes in metal containers placed away from the house.

7. Don’t use the oven to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.

8. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of snow for easy access.

9. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test the batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

10. Candles are pretty to burn this time of year. Do not leave them unattended for any length of time. Make sure they are not close to combustible materials.

Every year the Mason Fire Department responds to structure fires caused by not heeding to one of the above fire safety tips.

Please take time to incorporate fire safety in your lifestyle.