Residents and other responders are being reminded by members of the Town of Westport Fire Department, via the Fire Marshal's Office, that incidents related to heating are more likely in cold weather. Regular safety inspections are crucial since the use of electric blankets, fireplaces, and space heaters increases when the weather drops.

Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, and all heating systems should be properly maintained, according to fire agency fire protection guidelines. To lessen the accumulation of creosote, a frequent cause of home fires, chimneys should be cleaned and examined once a year. Regular testing is necessary to ensure that carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are operating as intended. Electric blankets should be unplugged when not in use and before sleeping to prevent overheating.