Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires.

A 2020 Red Cross survey showed more than half of residents have used a space heater; which is involved in most fatal home heating fires.

If using a space heater, provide at least three feet of space around all heating equipment and never leave space heaters unattended.

Follow these additional tips:

•If a space heater is necessary, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Do not place it on rugs and carpets or near bedding and drapes; keep away children and pets.

•Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets - never an extension cord. Turn the heater off every time upon leaving the room or when going to sleep.

•Never use a cooking range or oven to heat a home.

•Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.

•Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves inspected annually by a professional and cleaned if necessary.

•Test smoke alarms monthly and practice a home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in less than two minutes.

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