Winter Safety Essentials: Protect Your Home and Family from Heating Hazards

As the temperatures drop and we start using our heaters and fireplaces for the first time this season, it’s essential to review some crucial safety tips to ensure your home and family remain safe.

When using your heater for the first time this season, consider the following precautions: have a professional inspect your furnace or heating system to ensure it’s working properly. Keep all flammable materials, such as blankets, curtains, and furniture, at least 3 feet away from heaters. Additionally, never use your oven or stove to heat your home, as this can be extremely dangerous.

For space heater safety, always plug them directly into a wall outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords or power strips. Make sure to turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep. Opt for models with automatic shut-off in case they tip over, providing an extra layer of safety.

Carbon monoxide safety is also vital during the colder months. Check your CO detectors and replace the batteries to ensure they’re functioning correctly. If you don’t have a CO detector on every level of your home, consider getting one. Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fatigue. Never run a generator or grill inside your home or garage, as this can lead to dangerous CO buildup.

In terms of general cold weather fire safety, test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they’re working properly. Before using fireplaces or wood stoves, clean your chimneys and vents to prevent any potential fire hazards. Develop a fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the household is familiar with it, so you’re all prepared in case of an emergency.

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Breaking News and Alerts from Local Authorities

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Lapel Varsity Football Game Results Sunday, Oct 12, 2025

Football Recap: Lapel Piles Up the Points Against Jay County

Passing Yards – Team Reports•Oct 14, 2025Football Game Preview: Lapel Bulldogs vs. Eastern Hancock RoyalsFootball Preview: Lapel Bulldogs vs. Eastern Hancock Royals
Receiving Yards –
Rushing Yards –

Next game: Fri, 10/17vs Eastern Hancock7:00pm

Blast from the Past: LaPorte Volunteer Fire Department Throwback Thursday

It’s Throwback Thursday and we’re taking a look back at the Lapel Volunteer Fire department. Check out these classic photos from the team. The Lapel Volunteer Fire department has a rich history of serving and protecting the community, and it’s great to see some of the familiar faces and old equipment that have helped shape the department into what it is today. From training exercises to community events, the Lapel Volunteer Fire department has always been dedicated to keeping the community safe. Take a trip down memory lane and see how the department has evolved over the years.

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Heating Fire Safety: Preventing Home Fires with Simple Precautions

Heating fires have been trending downward since the early 1980s, yet they remained the second leading cause of home fires in 2021, with an estimated 32,200 incidents reported to US fire departments. These fires resulted in significant losses, including approximately 190 deaths, 625 injuries, and $442 million in property damage.

To minimize the risk of heating fires, it’s essential to keep anything that can burn at a safe distance – at least 3 feet – from all heat sources, including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters, and candles. Additionally, never use an oven to heat your home, as this can be a serious fire hazard. When using space heaters, make sure to turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed to prevent accidents.

Regular maintenance of heating equipment and chimneys is also crucial. Have them cleaned and inspected annually by a professional to ensure they are in good working condition and function safely. By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of heating fires and keep your home and loved ones safe.

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Fire Safety Fun: Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory Visits the Caterpillar Class

The Caterpillar Class had an exciting day with a special visit from the Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory! The firefighters came to talk to us about fire safety, and we all gathered in the sanctuary to hear a story and learn more about their important work.

We got to see the uniform that a firefighter wears, which was really cool, and then we took a tour of the fire truck and ambulance. The kids were thrilled to get up close and personal with the vehicles and learn about all the equipment on board.

As a special treat, each child received their very own fire hat and coloring book, which they were all thrilled about. We want to extend a big thank you to the fire department for taking the time to visit us and teach our students about fire safety. This is an annual event that the kids look forward to all year, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to learn from these brave men and women.

[Images of the event]

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Lapel Firefighters Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy Association Today

Fill the Boot for MDA!
Join Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory as we participate in the Fill the Boot campaign, benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Our firefighters will be at the intersection of SR 32 & Pendleton Ave today, Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, collecting donations and raising awareness for this incredible cause.

By supporting MDA, we’re helping kids and families living with muscular dystrophy. Every dollar counts, and your contribution can make a significant difference in their lives. Take a moment to stop by, say hello, and help us fill those boots!

We appreciate your support, Lapel! Let’s come together to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by muscular dystrophy.

#FillTheBoot #SupportMDA #LapelFire #CommunityStrong #FirefightersForACause

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Fill the Boot: Lapel Firefighters Rally for MDA on October 14

Join Lapel Stony Creek Twp. Fire Territory as we participate in the Fill the Boot campaign, benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Our firefighters will be collecting donations at the intersection of SR 32 & Pendleton Ave on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

They’ll be out with their boots, raising vital funds and awareness for a cause that supports kids and families affected by muscular dystrophy. Every dollar counts, and your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by this condition.

Take a moment to stop by, say hello, and help us fill those boots. Your support will be greatly appreciated, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community. Thank you, Lapel, for your continued support.

#FillTheBoot #SupportMDA #LapelFire #CommunityStrong #FirefightersForACause

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