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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

EPA Wood Stove Advice: Don't Let Tax Credits Go Up In Smoke

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Thursday, February 24, 2011   

DALLAS - "Old Man Winter" is still making a mark in parts of Texas, and folks who depend on wood-burning for heat may need to purchase a few extra cords. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering tips about how to use wood supplies more efficiently and safely.

Alison Davis, senior advisor for public affairs with the EPA Office of Air Quality and Standards, says it's important to check wood for proper seasoning before burning it. Wood needs to be kept dry for at least six months before using it as fuel, she adds. A simple test to see if the wood is ready is to knock two pieces together, she explains.

"If you hear kind of a hollow sound, that means it's seasoned. You want it to be really dry, because if it's dry, it's going to burn hotter, so you're not spending that heat to burn water out of the wood."

According to the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office, home heating fires are a leading cause of fires in family dwellings.
Davis urges people to be sure to have their stoves and other wood-burning appliances serviced every year.

"If you keep your chimney clean, that provides a good draft for your wood-burning appliance. It pulls smoke out of the house and also reduces the risk of a chimney fire."

It's best to burn hard wood, such as maple or oak, Davis advises. In addition to burning the right wood, she points out that you can save money by keeping your fire small and really hot.

She's also spreading the word about the extension of federal tax credits available through the end of 2011 to help offset the cost of a new, more efficient wood stove.



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