November is here and the cold of winter is upon us. The Litchfield Fire Marshal's office would like to remind you of a few things that will make for a safer winter for you.

Stop a fire before it starts:

• All wood stoves, both log and pellet, should be thoroughly cleaned and all flues have been checked for leaks before using.
• Use a glass or mes screen in front of the fireplace as well as a fire resistant mat on the floor in front of the fireplace.
• Store all wood a safe distance from the stove or fireplace.
• Never store ashes from the fireplace in a building.
• Use a metal pail and take ashes outside and dump away from all buildings.
• If the fireplace is new a building permit is required prior to installation so proper inspections can be made prior to use.
• Space heaters should be UL listed and not used with an extension cord. They should have a tip sensor on the unit. All non-electric units should have oxygen depletion sensors on them.
  
• Never use a space heater near combustible objects.
• Connecticut State Law does not allow kerosene heaters in multi-family homes.

Most importantly make sure smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors should be in good working order with fresh batteries.