AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ Maine officials are encouraging homeowners to take precautions this winter to prevent heating oil spills at home.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection says homeowners should have a licensed technician examine the condition of their heating oil tanks to prevent internal corrosion, which is the leading cause of tank spills.
The department says that falling ice and snow can often damage tanks outdoors. Officials are urging homeowners to have technicians install a steel filter protector and to remove snow that builds up on the tank and on roofs after storms.
They also say that installing a vent whistle can prevent overfills during delivery.
The department says it responded to more than 500 home heating tank spills last year.