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Fire Commissioner Urges Residents To Search For Potential Fire Hazards Around The Home

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--This bitterly cold weather that has gripped the Delaware Valley in recent days has sparked a number of fires and the Philadelphia's Fire Commissioner is urging everyone take a look around their homes for potential hazards.

Lloyd Ayers says Philadelphia Fire Department members have been busy.

"We have been out fighting house fires in different areas of the city, it's all over. We have been to jobs, at least two in the last two days, where people are using their ovens to heat and they cause fires in their kitchen."

Ayers says use of kerosene heaters can become deadly, especially if you fill the heater in the house and fill the tank all the way to the top because kerosene needs room to expand as it heats. He's unfortunately seen people use a blow torch to thaw pipes and that's a big no no.

"Download our Home Fire Safety checklist. Do a quick assessment of your home. Everyone should do it."

Ayers reminds everyone living in twins and row homes, taking these steps will not only save your family but the folks living next door.

For the Home Fire Safety Checklist, visit: http://www.freedomfromfire.com/safety/fire-safety/fire-safety-checklist/

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