On this first day of winter, the Sound Beach Fire Department reminds residents to practice fire safety throughout the season.

With half of all home heating fires occurring in December, January, and February, it is important for everyone to take winter fire safety seriously.

Please review and share the following winter and holiday safety tips:

Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep it outside, at least 10 feet away from your home and any nearby buildings.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from any heat source, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters.

Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Use stable holders and place candles where they cannot be easily knocked down. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

Inspect holiday lights each year before putting them up, and discard any strands with frayed or pinched wires.

Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry tree can catch fire quickly and burn intensely.

Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year.