ROANOKE CO., Va.—
When it comes to home heating, safety is a big concern.There are some things you need to consider if you have a fireplace, wood stove, or burn coal. Being careful with the ashes is a top priorty. If you're not, the consequences could be deadly.
Home heating is the number one cause of fires in America.
A family in Connecticut was killed at Christmas because of a fire. Officials say someone left the hot embers near a first-floor mud room.
Local officials hope that's a scenario that can be avoided.
"We need to put (the ashes) in something metal so that they don't start a fire," said Brian Clingenpeel, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Public Education Specialist. "They can stay hot for a really long time. We want to give them two or three days. We want to pour water over them before we put them in the trash can or in the yard. We've got to make sure they've cooled down."
The 2011 earthquake in Central Virginia caused chimney damage for a number of homes in the area. Now is a good time to check your own chimney to make sure it is in proper working order. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue offers a basic chimney examination service for the public. For more information call (540) 777-8701.
In additon to home heating, severe weather is a concern in winter months. There's a website called Ready Virginia that can help you make a kit and have a plan in the event of an emergency.
