In case you haven’t noticed, it’s cold outside!

In this weather, many are looking for ways to add additional heat in their homes.

If you plan on using your wood stove, the fireplace, a space heater or kerosene heater, be extremely careful and follow these basic safety tips:

— Use the fireplace, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.

— Do not burn paper in a fireplace.

— Provide adequate ventilation when using a kerosene heater.

— Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use. Don’t substitute.

— Don’t place a space heater within three feet of anything that may catch fire, such as drapes, furniture or bedding.

— Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.

— Make sure the cord of an electric space heater does not cause someone to trip. Do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.

— Do not use extension cords to operate your space heater.

— Protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves or similar items indoors.

Remember to stay safe as you stay warm!

For more information on weather preparedness contact the Clark County Extension Office at 744-4682 or visit us on the web at http://ces.ca.uky.edu/clark.

Jennifer Howard is the Clark County Extension agent for family and consumer sciences.