Home heating safety ideas include inspecting fireplace

chimneys for chemical buildup which can cause chimney fires and

keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything

combustible. While heating equipment is the second leading cause of

home fires in the United States, most of these fires can be prevented

with proper understanding and use, according to the National

Fire Protection Association.

Other seasonal cautions advise people to keep Christmas

trees fresh; watch wood stoves; cook with care; designate a

driver; buckle up; prepare a winter storm plan; and enroll in a first aid

or CPR course.

For more than 80 years, the American Red Cross has been

a national leader in health and safety education. In 1996, the

Red Cross trained nearly 12 million people in CPR, first aid,

aquatics and water safety, caregiving, HIV/AIDS and community

disaster education.

To obtain more safety program infornation or to enroll in a

Red Cross course, contact the South Metro Red Cross Service

Center at 770-961-2552 . The center is located at 1115 Mount Zion

Rd., Suite H, in Morrow.

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