• Make sure you get your receipt. Called a delivery ticket, it’s required by state law for home deliveries of heating oil, firewood and propane. It’s got to have the name and address of the vendor, date, quantity and, if firewood, whether it’s a standard or thrown cord.

• Be careful with cash only. “Cash makes me a little nervous in the wood business,” Giguere said. Double-check that delivery ticket to make sure it explicitly states the amount paid.

• Be a watchful pumper. After you’ve placed the nozzle into your gas tank and activated the pump, but before you’ve depressed the handle to start gassing up, make sure dollars and gallons read zero.

• If you suspect a short on gas, propane, home heating oil or firewood, call the state ASAP. The Department of Agriculture’s hot line is 287-3841. (Note: Wood must be stacked before they come out.) Their visits are a free public service.