Last week, the Carrboro Fire Department was exceptionally busy. Fire-fighters responded to seven fires in a five day span.

Colder weather brings with it higher risk of having fire hazards in your home. Here are some tips to help avoid these unwelcome fires and have a safe and happy holiday.

- Avoid plugging too many things into one outlet. Even if you’re using a power strip, the more things you have drawing electricity from one place the higher the risk for an electrical fire.

- Be sure to have your chimney cleaned before warming up close to those crackling fires. Chimney fires are a lot more common than most people realize.

- Use a fireplace screen to avoid stray sparks from fires. Also be sure the flue is open whenever you start a fire.

- If your home does not retain an adequate amount of heat there are a few things you can try instead of using unsafe (and costly!) heating methods.

- Try sealing off windows during cold months by using clear plastic, double-sided tape, and a blow-dryer. Place tape along every edge of the window. Then, cover the window with the plastic, being sure to press the plastic along all sides of the window (on the tape). Finally, use the blow-dryer to “shrink” the plastic along the tape so it effectively seals out cold drafts.

- You can stop drafts from coming in through doors and windows by using weather-stripping.

- If a separate heating element is needed be sure to keep it at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Also be sure that:

(1) the heater comes with a shut off valve so it automatically shuts off if it gets tipped over

(2) it is never left on in a completely enclosed room - have some type of ventilation so that carbon monoxide does not build up

(3) that children are not playing around the heaters

(4) heaters are never left on when no one is around

Avoid fires in your home this holiday season and keep your family safe!