Remember safety when heating home

Trying to stay warm can be dangerous.

With chilly forecasts pending, El Campoans began firing up their home heating systems and increasing the possibility of a home fire.

El Campo Fire Marshal Larry Staff recommends every heating system be checked yearly, and adds the value of smoke detectors should never be underestimated.

Fire is the second leading cause of unintentional death in the home.

In addition to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors are important to have in any home with a gas appliance.

Space heaters can be extremely dangerous if not checked regularly.

Because of the danger of leakage, a rubber hose should not be used on the small, but powerful heaters. Flexible metal hose is much safer.