The Newberry Fire Department is working to make this winter safer for city residents.

The fire department has partnered with the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program and the Centers for Disease Control for the donation of smoke detectors.

The local department received 99 smoke detectors that they will be giving to city residents.

The detectors will be given to those 60 years of age or older, to homes with children under the age of 8 and to the disabled.

The detectors don’t need batteries, but must be replaced after 10 years of use. Those receiving a detector must have a free home fire safety survey, which will make suggestions about how to increase a home’s safety. The survey will not be a home inspection and will not lead to any violations or anyone having to leave a home.

The department has also been given Energizer batteries to give to residents who can not afford to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors.

Also firefighters are available to help check smoke or carbon detectors at any home or business.

Fire Chief Keith Minick says those under 5 and over 75 are more likely to die in fires than others and he want to insure local residents are not hurt by fires.

Also, since daylight savings time ended on Nov. 1, residents are reminded to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.

With winter approaching, Minick urges residents to inspect their heating systems.

He also asks residents to forgo using kerosene for heating, and asked those that do, to make sure the heaters are cool and outside when refueled.

For those using fireplaces to heat homes, it is also time to have chimneys cleaned.

With the approach of the holiday season, Minick also cautions residents to vigilant when leaving candles lit.

Baking also rises for the holidays, and Minick reminds parents to keep children three feet away from stoves to prevent burns.

Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and not hidden away under or in a cabinet.

Also, families need to practice their fire escape plans.

Minick encourages families, if they have a mishap in their home with fire to call the fire department to come check it out, even if residents cannot see any flames.

“We would rather come check it than for a homeowner to have a hidden fire and it break out at night,“ said Minick.

The city firemen also encourage residents to put up visible house numbers, so the home can be easily located in case of an emergency.

Local firefighters have spent the month of October going to schools and day cares to promote fire safety to children, but say they are willing to speak with any group about fire prevention. They also have a puppet presentation and can host fire safety classes for those interested.

To contact the Newberry Fire Department call 321-1030.