As the temperature begins to drop-

• Make sure wood stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces are properly installed and are at least 3 feet away from combustible material.
• Inspect your holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. If more plugs are needed, use an approved power strip with a built-in circuit break.
• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist and always use a mesh screen with fireplaces.
• Always place candles in non-tip candleholders before you light them and extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed. Never use real candles on or near live trees.
• If you chose to place a tree in your home for the holiday season: keep it well watered, remove dead leaves and clean them from around the base of the tree, keep it away from heat sources as this will cause it to dry up much faster, and when the time has come to dispose of it, drop it off at the fire station free of charge.

Also, as the rainy season approaches remember-

• To clear your gutters and drains of unwanted debris such as leaves, grass clipping, branches, etc.
• Sandbags and sand are available at Marinwood Community Center parking lot at 775 Miller Creek Rd.
• When heavy winds are expected, secure free standing basketball hoops, garbage cans, etc.
• Have your large tress inspected by a certified arborist and if needed, trimmed or cut back.