With fall here, and temperatures dropping, many are turning to their woodstoves, fireplaces and portable heaters to warm homes, garages and workshops. This is Fire Prevention Week, which continues through Oct. 13, and the Camden Fire Department offers some tips and reminders:

Get the chimney or flu cleaned and checked by a chimney sweeper for any signs of damage or excessive wear.

Use screens around fireplaces or doors on woodstoves to ensure no embers are displaced.

Keep flammable materials, such as kindling and rugs, a safe distance from the fire.

Using a portable heater? Inspect it for cracks, leaks, abrasions on electrical cords or other signs of wear.

Keep portable heaters away from rugs or carpets.

Usee heaters from recognized testing laboratories that have an automatic shut-off in case the unit tips over.

Turn off portable heating units before going to bed for the night, or leaving the room.

Kitchen safety

Recent reports show the top cause of fires in the home are attributed to kitchen equipment.

Keep the stove and oven clear of all flammable materials.

Do not wear loose garments when cooking. They may come into contact with the exposed flame or heat source.

Check cords and plugs on electric cooking devices and ensure all devices are turned off or unplugged after each use.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial

Have at least one smoke alarm and one carbon monoxide alarm on each level of the home, including the basement and outside the bedroom or sleeping areas. Smoke alarms in homes should be replaced every 10 years and both ionization and photo electric smoke alarms should be used to alert people to all types of home fires.

For more information, contact the Camden Fire Department, 207.236.7950.