This Month's Safety Tip

According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of all home-heating fires occur in December, January and February, and heating equipment fires account for 18 percent of all reported home fires and 22 percent of home fire deaths.

Here are a few tips to remember when using space heaters:

• Be certain that space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, furniture and other household items.
• Select a heater that has been certified by a recognized testing group like Underwriters Laboratories.
• Do not allow children or pets to play near space heaters.

Winter Energy Saving Tips:

• Keep thermostats on 68 degrees or lower instead of 72 degrees. This will result in an energy savings of up to 5 percent.
• Use the microwave oven over the conventional oven, as much a possible, for your holiday cooking.
• Replace incandescent lightbulbs with CFL's. The CFL bulb uses 75% less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Change your air filters monthly to gain optimal air flow in your heating and air systems.