The onset of winter weather — the frigid temperatures last week followed this week by the threat of freezing rain, sleet and snow — remind us that the season brings more than just its share of meteorological disappointments. There are some real dangers inherent to winter that a bit of situational awareness, forethought and care can help alleviate. Fire safety and freeze safety are two of the biggest dangers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has often stressed that the most important fire safety tip is to ensure your smoke alarms are working by pushing the test button. If they aren’t, get new batteries or new detectors promptly.

Here are a few tips to prevent fires and other hazards:

4Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop, so you can keep an eye on the food.

4Never leave children alone in a room with lit candles.

4Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children.

4Keep the floor clear, so you don’t trip.

With cold weather here to stay for a few months, home fires are more common because of improper use of heating equipment. Also from the National Fire Protection Association, here are some tips to prevent home heating fires and related hazards:

4Have your furnace inspected and served by a qualified professional.

4Have your chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional, and check for creosote build-up, which is the leading cause of chimney fires.

4Test your carbon monoxide alarms.

4Teach children to stay at least three feet away from the fireplace, wood stove, oil stove or other space heaters.

To winterize your home, FEMA recommends:

4Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

4Protect pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent frozen pipes.

4Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

4Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.