Widespread Damaging Winds Likely in the Northern Plains; Heat Continues in the Central and Southeast U.S.

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and flooding are possible from the northern Rockies into the Upper Midwest. A derecho is likely across portions of the northern Plains, with several gusts expected to exceed 75 mph. Extreme heat is expected to intensify across much of the Southeast and Tennessee Valley, continuing through much of this week. Read More >

Winter Fire Safety

Facts

Cooking is usually the leading cause of residential fires, with open flames and heating fires often the number two and three causes
Most heating fires involve fireplaces or chimneys
Almost three-quarters of fire deaths occur in the home, making it the most dangerous place to be with regard to fire
Many home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors

Safety Information

Turn off portable heating appliances when leaving the home or retiring for the evening. This includes verifying that a fire in the fireplace has been fully extinguished.
Have at least 3 feet of clearance between any heating equipment and anything that can burn. Keep children and loose clothing away from any heating equipment.
Have chimneys, fireplaces and other heating devices professionally inspected prior to the start of every heating season
Use a sturdy screen or glass closure in front of your fireplace, and burn only clean fireplace wood
Make sure smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly.
Place holiday decorations well away from heat sources. If you use a tree, water it daily as a dry tree can be consumed by fire in an instant.

The above recommendations are courtesy of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs' Association, Minnesota's Fire Marshal Division and the State of Wisconsin

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Widespread Damaging Winds Likely in the Northern Plains; Heat Continues in the Central and Southeast U.S.

Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota