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Wood Works

Wood stoves are popular because they can help chop heating costs, but avoid these common mistakes to make sure you don't also cut safety corners.

"I'm going to buy used and save big."
Extra precautions are in order when buying a used wood stove. Always get the original manufacturer's name and serial number to verify that the unit is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other testing facility. It should also be EPA-certified. Older stoves burn more wood and may not meet local air quality standards. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association cautions against buying used wood stoves because of the things an average buyer can't see: cracks, leaks and failing metal that create fire and health hazards.
Better Idea: Buy a new high-efficiency wood stove in 2009 or 2010 and get a 30% federal tax credit (up to $1,500). Go to hpba.org for more details.

"I'm going to install it myself."
A wood stove essentially allows you to put flaming logs in your living area. So unless you install wood stoves for a living, this is one job best left to the pros.
Better Idea: Hire a certified installer who's familiar with local building codes. Many towns and cities require permits and inspections, and running afoul of the law could cost you more in the long run.

"Why throw wrapping paper away? I'll burn it." Resist the temptation. Holiday wrapping paper (and evergreen branches) burn too hot and too fast and can quickly overwhelm a wood stove.
Better Idea: Burn only seasoned wood. Call area tree cutters and ask if they'll drop off wood at your home, suggests the EPA. You'll get free firewood, and they'll save on disposal fees. Of course, you still have to properly season the wood before burning it.

Safercar.gov

Keep up with recalls of tires, child car seats and vehicles (including motorcycles) by registering to receive free alerts sent to your email address at Safercar.gov. Expect to receive about eight child seat-related and 20 tire-related messages a year. If you don't want to get all of the approximately 600 vehicle recall notices a year, you can restrict your notifications to up to five different makes of your choice.

Slip Sliding Away

Slippery situations abound in the winter, and not all of them are traction related. Navigate safely with these seasonal reminders.

Steer Clear. The roads have yet to be plowed, and your car starts to slide. Keep your cool. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go and keep your foot off the gas until the tires regain traction.

O Christmas Tree. It's a toss-up which is tougher -- selecting the perfect tree or tying it to your car so it doesn't slip off. Take twine or rope with you in case the tree seller doesn't supply it. Ask that your tree be wrapped in plastic netting, which will make it easier to handle. If it will be riding on top of your car, watch for overhang. In most states, you must attach red flags to anything that extends more than three feet in front or four feet in back of a vehicle. If you're driving after dark, you may also need a red light. (State laws vary.)

Up on the Rooftop. It's easy to skip the top of your car when you're clearing snow on a chilly morning. But it's worth the extra 30 seconds to remove the block of snow up there. It can slide down and cover your windshield when you hit the brakes or possibly fly off on the highway, blinding a driver behind you.

Step Right Up

Do-it-yourselfers, take note: One of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in your garage may be a ladder. A recent study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy reveals that the number of ladder-related injuries treated in emergency rooms jumped 50% from 1990 to 2005 (the study didn't include fatal injuries). A whopping 97% of those mishaps occurred at homes and farms, not on job sites. Follow these safety basics to avoid becoming a statistic:

Choose right. Fiberglass and wood ladders are good choices for most tasks. Aluminum ladders are lightweight and easy to handle but conduct electricity, so they're a poor choice when stringing holiday lights.

Look up. No matter what type of ladder you use, stay away from power lines, which can be deadly. Watch your belt buckle. You're reaching too far -- and are in danger of falling -- if your buckle moves beyond a ladder's side rail.

Stand with attention. For stepladders, don't climb any higher than the second rung from the top. For extension ladders, stay at or below the fourth rung from the top.