DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Soon snow will be falling, and people will be doing everything they can to stay warm, including using space heaters. As the winter storm heads this way, it is important to make sure that you are staying safe while you are staying warm.Â
Matt Jones, with the Decatur Fire Department, said, "According to the state fire marshal it was roughly 500 house fires last year were directly caused by space heaters."
As those temperatures drop a space heater is one of the quickest and easiest ways to stay warm and many people have them readily available in their home. While the heaters are convenient it is important to remember they can pose a major fire risk.
"You want to make sure those space heaters are directly plugged into a wall outlet not into an extension cord. We recommend keeping three feet of space between paper bedding and clothing all of that away from the space heater itself."
One of the most important tips from firefighters is to never leave a space heater unattended.Â
"It's important you know before you go to bed or leave the room to unplug it."Â
New technology is making space heaters safer to use. Many of the new models include tip protection and sensors to make sure the devices don't overheat. While the advancements are making things safer, it is still important to make sure that you are paying attention to the heater to make sure it doesn't malfunction.Â
"Should the space heater feel hot, or you start to smell burning definitely turn it off and unplug it."
If you do find yourself in an emergency situation firefighters urge you to call for help immediately.
"If an emergency situation does arise call 911 and we'll show up and assess the situation."
In addition to making sure you are using your space heaters properly it is also important to make sure that you get your furnaces and fireplaces checked before using them to make sure that they are safe to use.Â
