The cold weather is here, and it’s important to make sure your home is fire safe.

Yarmouth Fire Chief Mike Deveau says portable space heaters should not be your main source.

“It’s important to remember that those pieces of equipment have designed distances they need to be away from combustible items. The rule of thumb is 3 feet,” says Deveau.

Having your chimney, stove or furnace professionally cleaned is also a good idea, and testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Deveau says it also helps to keep walkways clear of snow and ice, and to shovel out fire hydrants if you can.

“It will help people if they have to get out of their homes, and help the fire department enter if they need our help.”