The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection Distict has the tips to offer whether in the kitchen, near the fireplace or stove:

·       Have a qualified professional install stoves, chimney connectors, and chimneys.

·       Stoves should have the label of an independent testing laboratory.

·       In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.

·       Have your chimney and stove inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep every year.

·       Clean the inside of your stove periodically using a wire brush.

·       Keep a close eye on children whenever a wood or pellet stove is being used. Remind them to stay at least three feet away from the stove.

·       Stoves need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the stove.

·       Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect the alarms. When one sounds, they all sound.

·       Allow ashes to completely cool before disposing them. Place ashes in a covered metal container. Keep the container at least 10 feet away from the home and other buildings.

No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, making sure that your heating devices and systems are in good working order is important. Many things can go wrong with heating equipment. Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter months is in good working order.

— Tia Rancourt, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District