A Special "Opera-Tunity!" Local resident sends memorable "Thank You" to First Responders

On the evening of Sunday, April 24th a crew from MCFRS Fire Station 23 in Rockville were dispatched to the Strathmore Hall for a report of people trapped in an elevator.

MCFRS responders located and rescued Dr. Marc Hertzman and his wife from a malfunctioning elevator. The rescue included a rather prolonged rescue and harrowing climb up ladders and out the roof for the couple.

Dr. Hertzman, a talented opera performer, has something to say... sing ... to the first responders to  express his gratitude for their service, kindness and going above and beyond to help them. He rallied colleagues from across the Country to produce an Opera Tribute to express his gratitude to the MCFRS personnel that responded  that evening. MCFRS first responders included Lt. Joseph King, Lt. James Riddle and Firefighter II Oscar Monzon.

Thank you to Dr. Hertzman and your talented performers for this first-ever (for MCFRS) Opera tribute! Our responders couldn't be more grateful for your gift of music and unique thank you. And let the show begin . . . 

Link to watch video tribute: Click here to view

 

Time to Fall Back - Some SOUND Advice

For Spanish click here

Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is urging all residents to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks this weekend and to also practice a home fire drill. "The busiest time for home fires is during the fall and winter months. A working smoke alarm  provides critical early warning of a fire resulting in more time to react and put a fire escape plan into action. We're asking all residents to take a few minutes to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms this weekend and conduct a home fire drill. It could just be a life-saver." 

Two minutes? Experts say you may have less than 2 minutes to escape a fire. Did you know the peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 pm and 6 am when most families are sleeping? Help keep your family safe by following these fire safety tips:

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement (finished or unfinished) and in all sleeping areas. If you have a larger home you'll want to consider adding more alarms and interconnected alarms will alert you to an emergency sooner. Be sure to check out all the "smart" features available -- alarms don't just sound the alarm, they can also alert your phone and more!   

2. Three words: Smoke Alarms Expire. Retire old smoke alarms and replace with new ones EVERY 10 years from the date of manufacture printed on the back or as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to follow County Code requirements for the type of smoke alarms required for your home.

3. Plan and practice home fire drills. Decide in advance who will help family members that may need assistance escaping (young children, older adults or people with disabilities) and establish an outside "meeting place" where everyone will meet.     

4. Make sure children recognize the sound of your smoke alarm and how to respond to its signal. 

5. Know your battery type. Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law (effective 1/2018) requires battery-only smoke alarms to have sealed in, 10-year long-life batteries which last the life of the alarm. The updates to the law emphasize the use of sealed, 10-year battery-powered smoke alarms however it is important to understand that battery-only smoke alarms are only appropriate where battery-operated smoke alarms are permitted by Code (generally in homes built b/f 1975) before hard-wired smoke alarm technology was developed. Remember: it is never acceptable to remove required hard-wired smoke alarms and replace with any type of battery-only smoke alarm.   

Questions? Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is here to help! Call 311 or visit us on line to schedule your free VIRTUAL home safety check. Bookmark our website for year-round safety information and to learn more about virtual home safety checks at: mcfrs.org/mcsafe. 

Do I need Carbon Monoxide Alarms? Probably!

For Spanish click here

Carbon Monoxide Alarms are a must for homes. When seconds count, you need an alarm that notifies you of potential danger so you can quickly take action. In 2019, a new law in Montgomery County went into effect requiring many existing single-unit, two-unit and townhouse dwellings to have Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms which alert occupants to the presence of potentially deadly gas.

The Law requires all single, two-unit, and townhouse dwellings built before 2008 that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage to install and maintain CO Alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Maryland State Law has required CO Alarms in newly-constructed homes since 2008 and in all rental occupancies.

Why are Carbon Monoxide Alarms important? 

Carbon Monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is odorless, tasteless and invisible making this toxic gas one of the most overlooked, and potentially deadly, dangers in homes. CO Alarms monitor your home 24/7 and are designed to emit an alarm when high levels of CO are detected but before they reach life-threatening levels ... and only cost about $20.

Does the law apply to me?

Homes in Montgomery County built before 2008 that are powered by electricity and do not have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage are not required to install Carbon Monoxide Alarms however fire officials recommend CO Alarms in all homes.

What if my Carbon Monoxide Alarm sounds?

Immediately have everyone in the home get outdoors to fresh air and call 911 from outside the building. Because CO Alarms can detect low levels of carbon monoxide, your alarm may activate before anyone feels ill. Signs of CO poisoning don't always happen right away. CO poisoning can happen gradually over a period of days or even weeks, depending on the levels of CO in your home. Re-enter your home only after it has been deemed safe by emergency responders.

Where should Carbon Monoxide Alarms be installed?

Proper placement of CO Alarms is important and you want protection on every level of your home. For homes built before 2008, Montgomery County law requires that CO Alarms be installed:

• On every occupiable level of the residence including basements, excluding attics and crawl spaces.
• Outside sleeping areas.

For homes built after January 1, 2008 CO Alarms should be installed in accordance with the applicable building codes at the time of construction or alteration/modification. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing CO Alarms.

What type of Carbon Monoxide Alarms are available?

There are a wide variety of CO Alarms on the market and include battery-powered, plug-in and hard-wired CO Alarms and meet the requirements of the new law. Some newer alarms feature visual and verbal cues, instructions on what to do if the alarm activates and can be set to English or Spanish alerts.

What about Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms?

For years Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms were separate units. Recently, alarms have been manufactured that have the technology to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. These "combination alarms" need to match the power source for the home's smoke alarms.

Are battery operated or hard wired Carbon Monoxide Alarms required by the new law?

For properties built before 2008, the power source for your CO Alarms can be battery operated, hard wired with a battery back-up or plug-in with a battery back-up. For combination Smoke and CO Alarms, the power supply must match the existing Code requirements for your home's smoke alarms.

At what height should Carbon Monoxide Alarms be installed?

Unlike smoke which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. CO Alarms may be installed at any height. However, if a combination smoke/CO alarm is used it must be installed on or near the ceiling, per manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure that it can detect smoke effectively.

What are the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, upset stomach, chest pain and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” Knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can help you respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

What do the different beeps mean?

A CO Alarm has different beep patterns to communicate whether there is an emergency or simply a service or maintenance issue. It is important to know the difference between the different beep patterns. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and information is often printed on the back of the alarm.

When should Carbon Monoxide Alarms be replaced?

Replace CO Alarms when the manufacturer’s replacement date is reached when the alarm fails to respond to an operability test, or the end-of-life signal is active. CO Alarms typically have a service life of 7 – 10 years.

Where can I get Carbon Monoxide Alarms?

CO Alarms are available for purchase at many stores and online. Only purchase alarms that are approved by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) in order to ensure that your alarms meet their strict testing and safety requirements. If you need assistance and live in Montgomery County, call 311 and a department representative will be in touch. 

Click here for information on the Carbon Monoxide Law

Investigators Ask Public for Help in 2021 Arson Fire

Gaithersburg, MD – The Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigations unit continues to investigate a 2021 arson fire on Marquis Drive in Gaithersburg and are asking the public for help.

At approximately 1 a.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units responded to a reported house fire in the area of Marquis Drive and Cullinan Drive. Units arrived on the scene and found a single-family dwelling located on Marquis Drive with heavy fire conditions throughout the residence. Montgomery County Fire and Explosive Investigators were dispatched to the scene and determined that the cause of the fire was incendiary in nature.

The department is asking anyone who may have  information about this arson to call the Fire and Explosive arson tip line at 240-777-2263.

Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s).

You look like a great Car Seat Tech!

For over two decades, the Car Seat Program has educated thousands of caregivers on how to properly use and install car seats. Thousands of children have been properly secured in their car seats or seat belts thanks to the efforts of the many amazing child passenger safety technicians who make up MCFRS’ Car Seat Program. These technicians all have one thing in common: they care deeply about kids and want to make sure kids are safe on every ride.

The Car Seat Program is always looking for passionate, dedicated, and community-oriented individuals to become part of our team. If this description fits you, please consider becoming a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician. This year, we are hosting two certification trainings in Montgomery County and invite you to sign up. The first training will be held in May and another in October. Information on the trainings and how to sign-up is at the link below. Both trainings will be held in Gaithersburg.

CPS technicians use their considerable knowledge and expertise at a variety of community-based activities, such as child safety seat checks, where parents and caregivers receive education and hands-on assistance. Here in Montgomery County, we host car seat check on a weekly basis in Germantown, Aspen Hill, and Takoma Park with occasional events in Rockville and Wheaton. In addition to the checks, technicians educate the community on child passenger safety at community events, festivals, schools, and non-profit organizations.

Our program is highly rated and nationally recognized. We strive to provide a fun, friendly, and welcoming environment to caregivers. If you have questions or are interested in becoming a car seat technician, you can click on the link below or contact Anthony Ramirez, Program Manager, at anthony.ramirez@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-2467.

         __________________________________________________________________

🔷 May 9^th through 12^th (Monday - Thursday) with final seat check on Saturday the 14^th:

Click for Class Information 
Course ID: MD202112211131

🔷 October 13^th and 14^th (Thursday and Friday) and then October 18 -20 (Tuesday, Wednesday, and seat check on Thursday the 20^th):

Click for Class Information
Course ID:  MD202112211134            

         __________________________________________________________________

There are other trainings occurring throughout Maryland in 2022 and people can attend any of these trainings too. They are at the following locations/dates.

6/7 – 6/11 in Middletown

7/12 – 7/16 in Edgewood

11/1 – 11/4 in Pikesville

Fire Safety Tips

With the holiday season approaching, Fire Chief Goldstein and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service would like to share some important fire safety tips for our friends celebrating Passover. There are many things families can do to reduce the chance of a fire starting in their homes. Please make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and that you have practiced a home escape plan. Remember, the very best safety plan is prevention.

A Community-Centered Budget

Highlights from the FY23 Recommended Budget 

Link to the Complete Budget: MCFRS FY23 Proposed Budget

The mission of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is to provide
maximum protection of lives, property, and the environment with comprehensive 
risk reduction programs and safe and effective emergency response provided by highly 
skilled career and volunteer service providers representing the County's diverse population.

MCFRS is voluntarily participating in a new Supplemental Payment Program with Maryland Department of Health which provides federal reimbursement for certain qualified ambulance transports. The program is intended to infuse EMS systems with sustainable funding to support EMS operations and create enhancements. Through this program, the County Executive intends to fund several initiatives in his proposed FY23 budget:

• Add a paramedic chase car to enhance advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical service delivery in Silver Spring. 
• Add an EMS Duty Officer position to enhance advanced life support field supervision.
  This increases coverage from two to three EMS Duty Officers.
• Add a permanent Emergency Medical Service System Capacity Officer to coordinate 
  patient transport to hospitals and balance emergency department loads. This  enhancement is expected to assist in reducing hospital drop times and increase 
  EMS transport availability.
• Increase the capacity of the Mobile Integrated Health program by adding two 
  paramedics to support the existing social worker and registered nurse  on home visits, complement the County's Mobile Crisis Team and enhance 
  other public health efforts, assist with emergency room diversion options, and address the needs of frequent 911 callers. 
• Increase support for local fire and rescue department emergency medical service 
  activities infrastructure.
• Add an Emergency Medical Service Quality Management Battalion Chief to evaluate 
  emergency medical services system performance and assist in optimizing 
  resource deployment.

This enhancement list strives to ensure that the services we are provide are of the highest quality by bolstering point-of-care supervision, enabling correction, and measuring clinical data and patient safety metrics. These enhancements increase administrative bandwidth to expand on current quality programs and improvement initiatives. The proposed FY23 budget provides the framework to increase agility, introduces scalable efficiencies and innovations to  meet the needs of Montgomery County's residents, visitors and business community.      

It's What's on the Inside that Counts - Beeping Easter Eggs

~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section

A father’s solution to help his blind daughter participate in an Easter Egg hunt is spreading across the United States thanks to the efforts of military and law enforcement members. David Hyche’s daughter was 4 months old when she lost her vision and has been the motivation behind his research and passion to manufacture "audible" Easter eggs. His work as an ATF agent inspired him to tweak designs until he had eggs equipped with beepers so his daughter and others with vision loss could participate in egg hunts. 

When he showed off his beeping eggs at a convention for bomb technicians, the association thought it would be a great initiative for their members. That’s how the Rachel Project got started and every year military and law enforcement members donate their time and skills to build the eggs for other children with visual impairments. Members of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Bomb Squad is proud to participate in this year's event and have been busy constructing over 100 beeping eggs for this month's special events.  

Who is behind this project? Lt. Phil Baker is the quiet (and humble) force behind the MCFRS Team who has worked closely with the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, Ace Hardware in Brunswick and others key partners and organizations. It is definitely a case of "what's on the inside that counts" and for Montgomery County's Bomb Squad --- they are all heart. The "beeping eggs" are used year-round to help children develop navigational skills and confidence.   

“The Montgomery County Bomb Squad is honored to partner with the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.  This charitable project was initiated and led by Montgomery County Bomb Technician, Lieutenant Phil Baker who was inspired to create beeping Easter eggs after reading about the nationwide event founded by the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI). The event has grown in popularity and the building of these eggs has become an annual event for bomb squads across the country. The Montgomery County Bomb Squad built over 100 beeping eggs and will be delivering them to the members of the visually impaired and blind community and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.” 

                        -Captain Andrew Gettig, Acting Bomb Squad Commander

Learn more about “The Rachel Project” (read about it here).  

Montgomery County's Bomb Squad Selected to Test New Technology

~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section

The Montgomery County Bomb Squad was named as a participant in a select group of only 10 Bomb Squads from across the country to participate in a pilot program to test a new technology developed for bomb squad robotic equipment.  This project was funded and supervised by the Department of Homeland Security, First Responders Technologies, Responders, and Resilience Group.

Montgomery County Bomb Techs have received this new, state of the art equipment developed by Honeybee Robotics, LLC, and over the course of the next 6 months and possibly longer, will test and utilize it and provide valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement and changes to the DHS and their partners prior to commercial release.

"This is a unique opportunity for our department Being counted among this elite group will allow the department to enhance safety and response capabilities," said Captain Tim Ferguson. "Public-private partnerships such as the one with Honeybee allows our bomb technicians to experiment with emerging technologies in order to keep pace with challenges confronting our field. We are fortunate to be part of advancing innovative solutions." 

Montgomery County Bomb Squad is honored in joining other elite squads from Texas, Michigan, Florida, New Jersey, Minnesota, North Carolina, and New York in participating in this important federal government project that will help to advance the safety and success of bomb technicians everywhere in the United States.  
 

 

Could Your Dryer Cause a Fire? Let's talk dryer fire facts.

~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section
___________________________________________________________________________________

 For Spanish click here

Over the last several weeks, MCFRS has responded to a number of clothes dryer-related fires. A lack of maintenance, buildup of lint, placing inappropriate items in the dryer and inadequate venting are frequently cited as contributing factors.
Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers. Some important safety tips:

 Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Clean around your dryer to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.

 Don't leave a clothes dryer running if you leave the house or go to bed. Like anything with moving parts and electronic components, faulty wiring and damaged machinery can potentially cause dryer fires. For example, a "heat sensor" that fails to turn off your dryer when the clothes are dry or a roommate that forgot to clean the lint filter... again. 

 Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked. 

 Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct annually. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again. MCFRS recommends having a qualified service technician clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct annually.

 Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.

 Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. 

There are several warning signs that dangerous lint buildup has occurred in your dryer and venting system, indicating that it needs a thorough cleaning: 

- Clothes take longer to dry or don't dry fully
- Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle
- Outside of dryer gets very hot
- Outside exhaust vent flapper does not open very much, indicating       low exhaust velocity
- Laundry room becomes more humid than usual
- Burnt smell is evident in the laundry room

Maintenance Tips:

- Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.

- Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on. 

- Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.

- Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to inspect the dryer and the gas line connection. 

- Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.

Fireplace Safety 101

 ~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section

___________________________________________

 For Spanish click here

When is the last time you had your chimney inspected? Fireplaces can add extra heat in the winter, but if they're not properly maintained, they can also become a hazard.

The purpose of a chimney is to carry hazardous gases and smoke out of your home. If chimneys are not cleaned regularly, residue called creosote can build up inside your chimney and catch fire. When you clean your chimney and have it inspected periodically, you help ensure there is a clear pathway for gasses and heat to escape.

If you're planning on firing up the fireplace, please keep the following tips in mind to help prevent chimney fires:

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year by a chimney professional. A chimney professional will make sure your chimney is structurally sound and will remove creosote buildup and any other debris (such as animal nests).
•  Important: COOL your ashes and then CAN your ashes. Embers from fires can retain heat and reignite for days after the original fire.
• Only burn dried-out wood - cardboard, trash, or other objects can burn very quickly and the flames can get out of control. Never dispose of a Christmas tree in your fireplace. Like ever. 
• Never (ever) use flammable liquids! You're not lighting the grill. No charcoal, no lighter fluid, no kerosene, no gasoline. 
• Keep your fireplace doors opened or cracked when burning a fire, as restricted air supply can cause creosote buildup.
• Stay on the lookout for signs of chimney fires. Indications of chimney fires include dense smoke and a loud rumbling noise (often compared to a freight train). If you think you have a chimney fire, get everyone safely out of your home and call 911. Never attempt to fight the fire yourself. 
• It is important to note that some chimney fires are slow-burning and may not make loud noises or have lots of smoke. These can cause damage to your home as well and weaken the structure of your chimney.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are WORKING. Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer".
• Chimney fires often lead to house fires. It's important to follow safe fire-burning practices. Maintain your chimneys by having them inspected at least once per year.

Community Risk Reduction Week: 2022

~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is joining safety professionals from across the nation to promote Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week and share the proactive work being done in the community.

What is CRR? CRR is a data-driven process that identifies and prioritizes fire and life safety risks and then strategically invests and directs resources to reduce their occurrence and impact. The goal of CRR is to build healthy, safe and resilient communities by educating people about the important actions they can take to keep themselves and their families safe and prepared ---  before an emergency occurs. The purpose of CRR is to protect the lives and property of residents by “getting ahead of the call” and preventing or putting mitigation strategies in place before emergencies occur (like smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers). The process of CRR allows for fire departments to identify the unique risks and needs of each community. Those needs are then met through the implementation of the 5 E’s; Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Response, and Economic Incentive. (Our CRR Team likes to add a sixth "E"--- ENTHUSIASM)! These strategies are driven by data-informed processes that help identify and prioritize risk. 

Throughout CRR Week, we will be focused on each of these key areas and also the great work being done with our community partners. Keep an eye on our social media channels and don't hesitate to reach out if we can assist you (virtually).

Now -- meet the MCFRS Community Risk Reduction team!

Beth Anne Nesselt 

Oscar Mendez

Anthony Ramirez

Jim Resnick 

Use Space Heaters Safely

~ Beth Anne Nesselt
Manager, Community Risk Reduction Section

___________________________________________

For Spanish click here

December through March are peak months for home fire deaths. While space heaters can be a quick way to heat up a chilly room, that warmth comes with a BIG warning label. Each year, space heaters are involved in 79% of fatal home heating fires. As temperatures drop, here are 10 things you need to know: 

1. Give space heaters space. Keep your space heater at least THREE feet away from anything flammable. That means clothes and blankets, stacks of newspapers, furniture, rugs and even walls. Allow at least three feet of open space on each side of the unit.

2. Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Never (ever) use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater, which could overheat and cause a fire. 

3. Opt for quality. When shopping for a space heater, select a unit that has all the latest safety features and the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label of approval. Look for cool-to-the-touch housings and automatic shutoff features that turn the unit off if it’s tipped over or overheating. Some units will automatically shut off if their infrared sensors detect a person or object that is too close to the heater panel—making them desirable choices for households with kids or pets.

4. Never leave a space heater “on” in an unoccupied room. Always turn off a space heater when you leave the room and before going to bed. Throw on some extra blankets and unplug the unit as an extra precaution.

5. Size matters. Before purchasing a space heater, check the label to see if it is the appropriate size for the area you want to heat.

6. Make sure your house can handle it. Space heaters use a lot of electricity --- as much as fifteen 100-watt light bulbs. This can be too much for older houses with old wires and electrical circuits. When wires get overheated, fires can also start inside the walls where they are hard to spot. If the circuit breaker trips, don’t plug it back in.

7. Keep space heaters away from water. Like any electrical device, they pose a shock hazard. To help prevent shocks, avoid using space heaters in rooms where spills and moisture build-ups are likely such at bathrooms and kitchens.

8. Safety first. Check your heaters regularly – look for frayed wires and remove dust accumulation on grates, grills, coils and other elements of the heater.

9. Hot, hot, hot. Some parts of the heater can become really hot. Children, seniors and pets are especially vulnerable to getting burned.

10. Finally, don’t rely on space heaters to heat your home. They’re designed to supplement a central heating strategy – NOT replace it. Make sure every room in which you plan to use a space heater has working smoke alarms and that your house has a carbon monoxide alarm.