Dealing with hazardous weather conditions can become a routine of sorts during the last weeks of winter; however, life-threatening risks remain high and focusing on safety can prove to be a life-saving decision. The National Fire Protection Association issued a written release urging the public to continue to be aware of elevated risks associated with winter weather and to take measures to avoid them.

Home heating remains the second highest cause of fire in the home.

Maintain a 3-feet separation between things that can burn and heating equipment.

Make sure new space heaters carry the mark of an independent testing laboratory and are legal for use in your community.

Install stationary (fixed) space heaters according to manufacturer's instructions or applicable codes or have them installed by a professional.

Plug an electric-powered space heater into an outlet with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.

Use the proper grade of the proper fuel for a liquid-fueled space heater, and never use gasoline in any heater not approved for gasoline use. Refuel only in a well-ventilated area and when equipment is cool.

In a fireplace or wood stove, use only dry, seasoned wood. Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to start the fire. Do not use artificial logs in wood stoves.

Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.

Turn off space heaters whenever the room they are in is unoccupied or under circumstances when manufacturer's instructions say they should be turned off. Portable space heaters should be turned off when going to bed.

Do not use an oven to heat a home.

Make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside, that the venting is kept clear and unobstructed, and that the exit point is properly sealed around the vent.

Inspect all heating equipment annually and clean as necessary. Test smoke alarms monthly.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness or headaches.

Install carbon monoxide alarms in a home to provide early warning. Install in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. If bedrooms are spaced apart, each area will need an alarm.

Test alarms at least once a month and replace alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Have fuel-burning heating equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional every year.

When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.

When buying an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house.

If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

During emergency situations people often use portable generators to meet electricity and heating needs.

Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.

The generator should be located so that exhaust fumes cannot enter the home through windows, doors or other building openings.

Do not refuel the generator while it is running and let it cool before refueling.

Never store fuel for your generator in your home. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly-labeled safety containers. They should be stored away from any fuel-burning appliance such as a gas hot water heater.

Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure the cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. - THE TIMES