MORE WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Ask the Expert . In addition to the obvious fire safety precautions that need to be taken when I use my fireplace, what other less obvious fire hazards lurk in my home? Each year in the United States, on average, more than 300,000 house fires take place -- but most of them are preventable. In addition to being cautious while using a fireplace, other safety precautions include checking smoke alarms and becoming familiar with the fire hazards inside the home, especially the less obvious ones. Capt. Warren Robinson with the Little Rock Fire Department's community outreach and public education program offers the following tips to help smoke out and extinguish the following hidden fire hazards, some of which may surprise: Dust bunnies -- Just a single spark can cause a fire if there is dust collecting near electrical sockets and floor heaters. So be sure to regularly sweep or vacuum floors to prevent buildup, play close addition to hard-to-reach areas such as behind doors, behind the couch and other large furniture items, or around entertainment systems, Robinson advises. "It is important to have covers over all electrical sockets," he adds. "The cover will help prevent sparks from shooting out. Where there are sockets that are broken or have signs of damage, these are indicators the socket needs to be replaced. If there are black marks or burns on the socket, it needs to be replaced," he says, adding that such marks are indicators of internal damage. Dryer lint -- When it comes to clothes dryers, it is essential to regularly clean the lint trap as a part of the laundry routine. "Sometimes tears, rips, or holes will appear in the lint trap," Robinson says, adding that if such damage exists, it is important to have it replaced or repaired to allow the trap to work properly. Also, he notes, lint can and does get past the lint trap. Left untouched, lint can build up in the dryer duct with every load of laundry. "Nothing man-made is perfect," he says. "It is important to clean or replace the dryer exhaust hose or duct as needed," he says, adding that it is a good idea to have a professional inspect and clean the dryer at least once a year to help eliminate a fire hazard. Glassware -- When sunlight passes through some kinds of glassware, the concentrated ray can ignite flammable materials such as stacks of papers. Err on the side of caution and move all glass accessories, including vases, away from windows. Loose batteries -- Nine-volt batteries, which power smoke detectors, are designed with both posts on the top. Bits of metal, including other batteries and loose change, can create a bridge between the posts that causes a heat-creating charge. To avoid this, store unused batteries in their original packaging and cover the posts of expired batteries with black electrical tape before properly disposing of them. m Take precautions with heaters -- Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendation when using such devices. "Space heaters need space," Robinson reminds. "Code requires 36 inches of clear space around them. "It is also important to examine the heater for damage," Robinson cautions. "Some heaters' plugs will begin to melt," he explains. "If this is seen, the heater needs to be replaced," he says, adding that newer heaters have a safety feature that turns the heater off if it is tipped over. The placement of the heater is just as important, Robinson says. "Do not place it close to bedding, curtains, clothes or furniture," he says. It is also important to avoid placing it in high-traffic areas. And, he concludes, in addition to changing the filters of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning units once a month to help prevent filter lint and dust from collecting inside of the units, the units should be occasionally checked by a professional service person for cleanliness and possible gas or exhaust leaks.