By RON FODOR

Cold weather is almost here and everybody is talking about the cost of heating this winter. Many families have already built their first fire or turned on their electric heaters.

It is especially important to be careful when heating a home. Almost ever time I watch the evening news, another home has been devastated by fire.

To assure safety, reliability and efficiency, use and maintain heating equipment properly.

Check all heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, stove or portable heater before using it. Perform recommended servicing and repairs to avoid unnecessary fire risk and excessive energy consumption.

Is it time to replace the filter in the furnace? You might be amazed at the amount of dirt that can build up after just a few months.

Clean flues and chimneys to prevent smoke and combustion gases from collecting in them. If you burn wood, the chimney will need cleaning more often to avoid creosote build-up.

Make sure a wood-burning stove is installed according to safety standards.

When using a gas, kerosene or oil-burning portable heater, make sure there is adequate ventilation. If there is not good ventilation, oxygen depletion and accumulated combustion products could be a hazard.

Set portable heaters away from combustible objects and away from traffic. Use only heavy-duty extension cords with electric heaters.

Protect your family by teaching and practicing safety with fire. Young people should not be allowed to play near fireplaces without a protective screen or near stoves and electric heaters where they could be burned.