To the community,

We tend to take our electrical appliances for granted, but with age and extended use, they do wear out. Check the cords on your electric blanket.

Damage to cords under the bed is caused by objects crammed in for storage or by pets chewing on cords. This not only can cause a fire but can harm your pet.

Use of portable electric and gas heaters should be done with extreme caution. Be sure that distances from combustibles are sufficient and allow for adequate ventilation to prevent suffocation.

Sallie Ross-Filgo, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department