Many fire hazards remain dangerous year-round, but the winter season brings specific safety concerns and challenges for fire companies. As we attempt to keep our houses warm and well-lit during the frigid and darker winter months, several preventative and basic safety measures should be kept in mind to help reduce the risk of catastrophes occurring.

Of all the fire hazards that accompany the arrival of colder weather, space heaters are one of the most common fire starters and should be placed at a safe distance from any flammable items, such as beds, curtains and Christmas trees. Other methods of heating one's home should also be utilized with care; when using a fireplace, only use natural wood. Plywood, treated wood and accelerants such as alcohol or gasoline should be kept out of the fireplace. In fact, putting anything other than the right wood into a fireplace could be dangerous.

Decorations such as stockings and Christmas trees should be kept away from the fireplace, and Christmas trees that are not regularly watered will become dry and turn into a hazard.

Stoves and ovens can also prove hazardous if left unattended. "The biggest thing is making sure that you turn things off when you don't need them," said Rob "Stretch" Williams of New Providence, a member of the Refton Community Fire Company. "If something happens while you're in bed, you won't know until it's too late. Most fires start between 12 and 4 a.m."

A large factor in avoiding fires is preventative care. Local fire companies recommend that those with chimneys have them cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Uninspected chimneys may develop cracks that allow the fire to spread into other parts of the house through the walls. Furnaces should also be serviced regularly through a heating company to prevent malfunctions.

Another common fire hazard during the winter is overloaded circuits. Making sure that lights are turned off at night and that Christmas lights are not perpetually lit can make a residence much safer.

In addition to fire hazards, driving conditions play a large role in wintertime woes. Although modern cars are equipped with more safety measures than ever before, driving on icy or snow-laden roads can be dangerous if drivers do not exert caution. "We don't get the crashes like we used to, but you still want to make sure you're being careful when driving in the winter." said Williams.

Whether you're baking, enjoying holiday decorations, or driving to work this winter, keeping in mind some tips from your local firefighter can make your holiday season, and theirs, much safer.