MDEM Newsroom - Page 15 MDEM Newsroom

SBA Deadline for Maryland Small Businesses to Apply for Working Capital Loans

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Maryland that working capital loans are still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations affected by tornadoes that occurred on Nov. 2, 2018.

“Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-Interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the Sept. 9 deadline,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Low-interest disaster loans are available in the following counties: Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick and Howard in Maryland and Adams and York in Pennsylvania.

Working capital disaster loans up to $2 million are available at 3.74 percent for small businesses, and 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. The loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. To be considered for this assistance, eligible entities need to apply by the deadline.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Businesses may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing [email protected]. Loan applications can also be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sept. 9, 2019.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Business and Residents of Virginia Affected by Severe Weather and Flooding

WASHINGTON – Virginia businesses and residents affected by severe weather and flooding on July 6-8, 2019 can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Acting Administrator Christopher Pilkerton announced today.

Acting Administrator Pilkerton made the loans available in response to a letter from Virginia’s Gov. Ralph S. Northam on July 31, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Arlington County and the adjacent independent cities of Alexandria and Falls Church and Fairfax County in Virginia; Montgomery County in Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Virginia with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans,” said Pilkerton. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

SBA’s Customer Service Representatives will be available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications.

The Centers are located in the following communities and are open as indicated:

“Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets,” said SBA’s Virginia District Director Carl Knoblock.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Kem Fleming, center director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.750 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.938 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing [email protected]. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Oct. 7, 2019.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 7, 2020.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Maryland “Know Your Zone” Hurricane Preparedness Campaign Enters Year Two

Program Aimed to Ease Evacuation in Areas Subject to Tidal Floods, Surge

Click here to listen to audio of this release.

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (June 6, 2019) — If you live, work, or vacation in areas of Maryland subject to tidal flooding or storm surge from a hurricane, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) wants you to Know Your Zone. The state’s hurricane evacuation plan last year transitioned to a zone-based program to allow local emergency managers to more easily message evacuation requests to residents and visitors.

The new evacuation zones were a result of the Maryland Hurricane Evacuation Study which concluded last year. The study identified 3 large areas in Maryland subject to tidal flooding. Know Your Zone aims to bring awareness of the evacuation zones to the forefront of Marylanders’ summer plans and make evacuation notices easier to disseminate.

“Everyone in Maryland should be proactive and prepared this hurricane season. Please take a minute to Know Your Zone,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “We have worked hand-in-hand with local and federal partners using the best tools, which were not available 3 years ago, in order to determine these zones and streamline a potential evacuation.”

Residents of and visitors to Maryland are encouraged to visit the interactive Know Your Zone web page, www.KnowYourZoneMd.com, where they can learn more about the project. On that page, users can type in an address and quickly find out what zone, if any, their property is located in.

The zones affect every county on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, plus counties along the western coast of the Chesapeake Bay and tidal areas of the Potomac River south of Washington, D.C. That covers 16 Maryland counties along with the City of Annapolis, Baltimore City, and Ocean City. But residents from other parts of Maryland should know the zones if they travel to affected areas for work, vacation, or to visit friends and relatives.

The zones are designated by the letters A, B and C. Zone A areas are the most likely to be impacted by severe flooding in the event of a major storm or hurricane.

In future years, the program will focus on refining evacuation routes away from the affected areas.

“Studies show that timely messaging for evacuations saves lives,” said Strickland. “This system will make it easier and safer for local emergency managers to manage a potential evacuation, but only if you Know Your Zone before a storm hits.”

While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s recently released 2019 forecast predicts a near-normal season, it only takes one storm hitting the mid-Atlantic area to seriously affect Maryland. If local officials feel an evacuation is needed to protect lives, they will issue the order by zones instead of having to define specific geographic areas. This program is similar to one rolled out two years ago in neighboring Virginia.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Hurricanes can cause strong winds, heavy rain, inland flooding and other severe weather, but residents in Maryland can be prepared by ensuring they know how to receive a warning, have a plan, practice safety tips, and Know Your Zone.

Maryland can feel the impacts from a storm or a named hurricane hundreds of miles away. Hurricanes can produce 150-plus miles per hour winds, tornadoes, and tremendous flooding from both tidal surges and torrential rain.

Residents can also take the following actions to remain safe:

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a family emergency and communications plan.
• Stay tuned to trusted sources such as the National Weather Service and local broadcasters for official weather information.
• Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials, especially instructions related to evacuation.
• During severe weather, stay indoors away from windows, close all interior doors, and brace external doors. If you live near the shore or coast, expect the storm tide will inundate your home.
• Flooding is often our biggest threat. Monitor NWS flood warnings for your area and be prepared to seek higher ground.
• Fill a bathtub or other large containers with water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.
• Charge electronic devices before bad weather hits and consider keeping a charger in your car.

Additional preparedness information can be found on MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov, our Twitter feed, our Facebook page, our LinkedIn page, and our YouTube site. Residents can also download the free MARYLAND Prepares mobile app at mema.maryland.gov/Pages/mdprepares.aspx.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland and other key staff members are available for interviews about hurricane and emergency preparedness.

CONTACT:

Jorge Eduardo Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518

Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333

Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes Among Spring Weather Threats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Maryland Severe Storm Awareness Week is April 7-13   REISTERSTOWN, Md. (April 8, 2019) — Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week begins on Sunday, April 7, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is teaming up with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency managers to promote citizen awareness and preparedness. The NWS emphasizes that the mid-Atlantic region is at risk for flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and lightning storms every year. Maryland experiences severe storms regularly during the spring and is particularly at risk for flooding, but also experiences hailstorms and even tornadoes. Maryland has had nearly 100 tornadoes in the past ten years. “If you hear thunder or see lightning, try to get inside right away,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “And never try to drive across flooded roadways. If you need to leave your shelter due to damage or an emergency, bring your emergency kit and a charged cell phone with you.” Residents can be “weather prepared” by ensuring that they know how to receive a warning, have a plan, and practice safety tips. “Every year, Maryland gets severe thunderstorms that target localized communities” said Christopher Strong, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office. “If Marylanders get National Weather Service warnings from phone apps and/or weather radio, and have a plan for what to do, we can all stay safe from the damaging winds, large hail, flooding, tornadoes, and lightning.“ The NWS and MEMA work closely together with local government agencies to identify and monitor severe weather systems, develop preparedness plans and safety information, and coordinate the response to these storms. Residents can also take actions to remain safe by practicing the following tips: During flooding, never drive over an area where water is flowing over the road and you cannot see the pavement. Turn around, don’t drown! If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued or you are experiencing strong winds, get to a sturdy shelter and stay indoors away from windows. Tornadoes can form rapidly in the right conditions. If there is a tornado warning or you see a tornado, quickly get inside and go to the lowest floor possible. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck from a fringe lightning strike. More than 98% of lightning casualties are from people outdoors—get indoors or inside your vehicle if possible. Additional information can be found at the NWS “Weather Ready” website and the MEMA website. Residents can also click here to download the Maryland Prepares Mobile App . NOTE: MEMA officials are available for live or taped interviews to discuss severe storm preparedness and safety. ### CONTACT: Jorge Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518 Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333 24/7 line: 877-636-2872

State Agencies Activated as Winter Storm Hits Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Agencies Activated as
Winter Storm Hits Maryland

Marylanders encouraged to avoid travel if possible  REISTERSTOWN, Md. (February 20, 2019) — Maryland state agencies have been busy preparing for the snowstorm that has begun impacting Maryland communities this morning. “Our state agencies are working hard to ensure Maryland is prepared for this dangerous storm, and we are doing everything possible to keep Marylanders safe,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “However, this storm is creating dangerous conditions in many areas of the state and the snow is continuing to fall, so I urge Marylanders to take extreme caution, avoid travel if possible, and heed all local warnings.” Here are some of the activities state agencies have been conducting in response to the storm: Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Coordinating conference calls with the National Weather Service, local emergency management partners, state agencies, and non-governmental stakeholders. Conducting enhanced operations and coordination in the State Emergency Operations Center. Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)  State Highway Administration (SHA) SHA has deployed more than 2,200 pieces of equipment (plows, salt trucks, etc.) to mitigate the impacts of snow this morning. MDOT SHA is encouraging Marylanders to delay unnecessary travel as snow continues to fall throughout the day. Asking motorists to remember to clear ENTIRE vehicle off before traveling as large sheets of snow/ice can fly off vehicles and be a hazard. Coordinating activities and snow operations through the Statewide Operations Center at SHA headquarters in Hanover, MD. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) MDTA has deployed 119 pieces of equipment clearing roadways on its eight toll facilities. MDTA is encouraging residents to stay home and off the roadways to allow crews time and space to treat roads. MDTA has closed several E-ZPass Maryland Customer Service Centers. Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport The BWI Marshall Airport winter weather team has been in place since the early morning hours.  Personnel pre-treated runways and taxiways, and the airport’s winter weather employees will treat and plow the airfield, and parking lots, and public roadways as appropriate. Airline flights are operating. However, airline flight delays and cancellations are expected throughout Wednesday. BWI encourages passengers with travel plans to contact their airlines for updated flight status information.  The BWI Marshall Airport website also provides airline flight information. MDOT Maryland Transit Administration For a full list of service status, go to MTA website. Light RailLink: There is no impact to service at this time. Customers are reminded to use extra caution in and around stations and platforms. Metro SubwayLink: There is no impact to service at this time. Customers reminded to use extra caution in and around stations and platforms. MARC: Penn and Camden lines will operate on an “R” schedule. Brunswick Line Service is suspended. Mobility: Mobility service is running. MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration MDOT MVA Salisbury (Wicomico County) and Easton (Talbot County) branch offices are open for service today.  The remaining offices and VEIP stations are closed. Customers will be contacted to reschedule appointments. MDOT MVA also encourages customers to complete transactions online at MVA’s website. Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore All public marine terminals were pre-treated in advance. Truck gates are open at both the Dundalk and Seagirt marine terminals.  Ships are being worked. Maintenance crews will operate on 12-hour shifts for snow removal. Maryland State Police MSP is conducting regular and supplemental patrols to address rush hour traffic. MSP units will provide assistance throughout the duration of the event. Between midnight and 10:30 a.m. MSP reports 80 total accidents (61 non-reportable and 19 reportable) and 394 calls for service. Accident numbers were trending lower than normal until approximately 08:30 a.m., then they spiked higher. Current Snow Emergency Plans are in effect in 15 Counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garret, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Saint Mary’s, Queen Annes, and Washington. The closures have caused less traffic which has greatly assisted. If a motorist does become stranded, they should not attempt to walk. MSP discourages citizens from calling to ask about road and weather conditions. Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) The Maryland PSC has reached out to Maryland utility providers to assess their readiness activities and to confirm the utilities have emergency power restoration plans in place. Baltimore Gas & Electric has deployed extra crews Wednesday morning and are staging at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to address any power restoration issues that may arise from the winter weather. ### CONTACT: Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333 24/7 line: 877-636-2872

Marylanders urged to prepare now, winter storm starting overnight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARYLANDERS URGED TO PREPARE NOW, WINTER STORM STARTING OVERNIGHT

Snow, Ice, Freezing Rain, Frigid Temperatures to Affect Maryland this Weekend

MEMA is Monitoring Storm, Closely Coordinating with State Agencies, National Weather Service

Click here to listen to audio of this release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 18, 2019) — Winter weather is expected to affect the Mid-Atlantic and New England region beginning tomorrow, Saturday January 19, 2019.  According to the National Weather Service, here is what Maryland residents can expect:

• The system will bring a mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain to most of our State.
• Expect snow, sleet, and freezing rain accumulation which will make traveling conditions dangerous, with a couple of inches of snow and ice accumulation for the western and central portion of the State.
• Winds will affect the state this weekend with gusts up to 30-40 mph.
• Plan for potential power outages and flying debris.
• On Sunday night, temperatures will dip into the dangerously low single digits.

“The forecast and track of the storm can change at any time, and that could potentially mean worsening weather and hazards for residents in parts of our State,” said Russ Strickland, MEMA’s Executive Director. “Plan for power outages and prepare your family accordingly.
Make sure you monitor the weather forecast, heed all official warnings, and pay attention to state and local emergency management and transportation officials.”

As the storm moves out of the region, a mass of frigid air will be moving in and bringing dangerously cold temperatures. With peak gusts around 40 mph, the expected wind chill will also make conditions hazardous making it feel well below zero degrees Fahrenheit throughout Maryland.

Extreme cold weather can lead to serious health issues.The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Preparedness and Response has an array of helpful information about extreme cold weather and how to protect yourself and your family here: https://preparedness.health.maryland.gov/Pages/resources_cold.aspx

MEMA advises Maryland residents to take the following actions:

• Closely monitor updated weather forecasts and keep electronic communications devices charged.
• Plan for power outages and prepare accordingly.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here.
• Never run generators indoors, in closed areas, or near vents.
• Check on your elderly neighbors during and after the storm.
• If you must travel, make sure to have car chargers, kitty litter or sand for traction, blankets, extra winter clothes including hats and gloves, snacks, and water in case you become stranded.
• Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival time.
• Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.
• Dress in several layers when venturing outside in the extreme cold.  Frostbite and Hypothermia can set in in minutes.

MEMA is closely monitoring the storm and will continue coordinating efforts with local emergency management officials and state agencies.

In addition to these tips, please check out this winter preparedness tip video (bit.ly/Winter-Preparedness-Tips) on MEMA’s YouTube Channel.

Traffic, weather, and power outage alerts, as well as winter preparedness information, can be accessed on MEMA’s website. You can also follow MEMA on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook for updated information.

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CONTACT:

Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410.446.3333

Jorge E. Castillo, [email protected], 443.381.3518

Note to Press: MEMA Staff will be available for interviews during this incident.

Winter Storm Warnings Expanded for Most of Maryland

MEMA Increases State Activation Level to Coordinate State Agencies

Click here to listen to audio of this release.

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 12, 2019) — The first significant statewide winter weather event of 2019 will be affecting Maryland later today through Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, here is what we can expect:

• Snow is expected tonight through Sunday night.
• Significant accumulations are expected statewide.
• Wind Gusts: 20-25 mph Eastern Shore on Sunday (less than 20 mph elsewhere).
• Temperatures will be near freezing except in the mid-30s in Southern Maryland and Eastern Shore during the afternoon & the 20s at night.

The National Weather Service has extended Winter Storm Warnings, which are currently in place for most of the state. Counties under a Winter Storm Warning include Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Washington and Wicomico.  Baltimore City is also under a Winter Storm Warning. Counties under a Winter Weather Advisory include Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Worcester.

“The incoming winter storm will bring accumulating snow to our entire state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I have directed all state agencies to work together to prepare for this storm and keep our citizens safe and informed. Now we ask all Marylanders to remain vigilant, use common sense, stay off the roads, and heed all official warnings.”

The amount of accumulating snow forecasted has increased since yesterday in several parts of the state, particularly southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Areas like La Plata may see 8-12 inches of snow, while Salisbury could see 6-8 inches before the system moves out of the region.

“The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) advises all residents to follow weather forecasts as they are updated and pay attention to state and local emergency management and transportation officials,” said Russ Strickland, MEMA’s Executive Director. “Above all, please put safety first and communicate with your neighbors, family, and friends.”

MEMA continues to closely monitor the storm and continues coordinating efforts with local emergency management officials and state agencies.

MEMA advises Maryland residents to take the following actions:

• Closely monitor updated weather forecasts and keep electronic communications devices charged.
• Never run generators indoors, in closed areas, or near vents.
• Check on your elderly neighbors during and after the storm.
• If you must travel, make sure to have car chargers, kitty litter or sand for traction, blankets, extra winter clothes including hats and gloves, snacks, and water in case you become stranded.
• Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival time.
• Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here.

In addition to these tips, please check out this winter preparedness tip video (bit.ly/Winter-Preparedness-Tips) on MEMA’s YouTube Channel.

Traffic, weather, and power outage alerts, as well as winter preparedness information, can be accessed on MEMA’s website. You can also follow MEMA on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook for updated information.

First Winter Storm of 2019 Could Bring Accumulating Snow

Winter Fire Safety Tips

FIRE SAFETY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS REMINDER             STATEWIDE SAFETY RELEASE (January 11, 2019) — AS OF TODAY, THERE HAVE BEEN SIX FIRE FATALITIES ACROSS THE STATE.    The MAJORITY of those fatalities DID NOT HAVE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS in their homes.   If you cannot afford a smoke alarm PLEASE contact your local fire department to inquire as to what assistance is available in your area.            State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci reminds all residents of Maryland to check for fire safety where they live, work, attend classes, training and meetings.  “Fire and life safety is everyone’s responsibility; by testing smoke alarms and CO detectors, keeping exits clear of obstructions, and maintaining fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, we can all avoid injury or death from the effects of fire.”           To ensure your best chances of surviving a fire, the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips on both escaping a fire and preventing one: Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Remember, the effects of toxic smoke and gases can quickly overcome your ability to think clearly.  Every second counts when escaping a fire.  Also check the dates on your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, if they are 10 years old or older, they should be replaced. Check exits in both your home and any place you go to ensure you will be able to get to safety.  Blocked exits resulting from improperly placed chairs, tables or even holiday decorations can result in the delay of getting out quickly and safely.  Be vigilant of these safety concerns whether at church, school or your local favorite eatery.  Ensure snow is removed from the outside of doors as well. When using portable non-vented fuel-fired heaters, such as kerosene heaters, make sure to use only the recommended fuel specified in the owner’s manual and NEVER use gasoline.  Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City. If you find it necessary to use an electric space heater, use only one that has been approved by an authorized testing laboratory such as UL.  Plug space heaters directly into an outlet.  NEVER use an extension cord or power strip as they can easily overheat and cause a fire. Keep all portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible. If heating equipment fails, do not use kitchen stoves or ovens to supply heat.  These   appliances are not designed for that purpose and the chance of a fire improves greatly. When using fireplaces, wood stoves or pellet stoves; please ensure these heat sources have been installed and properly serviced by trained technicians according to state and local codes,  allowing them to work at peak efficiency and lower the risk of a catastrophic failure.  Place ashes in a metal container with a lid. Please ensure you have the chimney cleaned and inspected before use. Never leave candles burning unattended.  Extinguish the flame before leaving the room. Consider battery operated candles instead of flaming candles for safety. If a fire occurs inside your home, close the doors behind you as you vacate to the outside, call 911 and never go back inside the home.  Tell arriving first responders if anyone is still inside.

Have Chimneys Properly Cleaned.