Caroline Carlson | Daily Press Fire engine inspections are a daily occurrence at the Escanaba Public Safety Department. Shown from left are Public Safety Officers Leif Sjoquist and Sam Carr inspect Engine 34.

ESCANABA — Fire safety is important to keep in mind, especially in the winter season with the use of fireplaces, stoves, and heaters. Escanaba Public Safety Lt. John Gudwer said there are several things people can do to make sure their loved ones and homes are safe during the cold months.

Having smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in placeis a must. Should a fire or gas issue arise, the presence of detectors can help reduce damage to life and property.

Smoke alarm batteries should be changed every six months. Changing batteries during time changes twice a year is a great way to remember this task. Smoke alarms are recommended on every level of the home, both inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Levels of the home without bedrooms should have a smoke alarm installed in the main living space, near the stairs to the upper floor, or both.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association on every level of the home, and should also be located both inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. In addition, CO detectors are important to have in or near attached garages, where exhaust may get into the home if a car is left running.

Fire extinguishers offer a means of putting out a small fire instead of — or in addition to — calling the fire department. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises the use of a fire extinguisher only when the person using it is trained and comfortable with its use.

Those including fire extinguishers in their fire prevention plan have several locations within the home to consider for placement. The kitchen is a vital location, as it is where the majority of house fires start. It’s a good idea to place a fire extinguisher in the garage as well, where combustible substances are often kept. Additionally, keep a fire extinguisher near sources of heat, such as the patio grill, furnace, electrical panels, chimneys, wood stoves and fireplaces.

The laundry room is another good place for a fire extinguisher, due to the highly flammable quality of lint. It’s also important to make sure the lint trap and the dryer vent are kept free of lint.

In homes where fireplaces are used, chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once a year before cold weather arrives. It’s also recommended that the chimney be checked regularly for soot or creosote build-up, and anything more than 1/8″ deep removed.

Pellet stoves burn more cleanly than other solid fuel stoves and don’t leave behind as much creosote. They do, however, build up creosote in the exhaust venting.

“An exhaust vent fire is very dangerous as pellet stove venting is not designed to handle high temperatures. The joints between the vent pipe sections will be destroyed and the fire can easily spread into the home,” said Gudwer. Regularly check the exhaust venting of your pellet stove for creosote build-up to prevent a dangerous exhaust vent fire.

Furnace air filters should be checked monthly and replaced every 90 days. Clean furnace air filters regularly by dusting or vacuuming them. Maintain a clear area round your furnace and keep flammables away from it. Severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting can be indicators of a problem with a gas furnace or heater. If you experience these symptoms, leave your home and get medical help.

Electric space heaters should be turned off when leaving a room or when sleeping. Children and pets should always be supervised around heaters and not allowed too close. Maintain a three foot clear zone around space heaters, especially for flammable items such as paper, clothing, and rugs. The connection to a heater’s power source should be considered as well. It’s important to plug a space heater directly into a power outlet–not an extension cord, which can overheat and start a fire. When buying a heater, consider one with sensors that shut it off if it is tipped, detects motion too close to its surface or begins to overheat.

Always keep children away from burning candles, and make sure flammables are not placed near heat sources such as candles, stove tops, heaters, or hot water heaters.

Gudwer reminds families to have an plan in case of fire or other emergency situation. Once out of the house, do not go back inside, as there is always danger of quickly being overcome by smoke. To make it easy to confirm that everyone has gotten out safely, Gudwer said the plan should include a meeting place outside the home. Make sure children know how to dial 911 and clearly give their address to the dispatcher. Children should also know that anyone who catches fire should stop, drop, and roll.