LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - As another round of frigid air moves into the region, fire officials are urging residents to take extra precautions when heating their homes.
Last winter alone, more than 100 fires across Ohio were caused by space heaters. Nationwide, the National Fire Protection Association reports that heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires and fire-related deaths during the winter months.
Fire departments say many of those fires can be prevented by following basic safety steps, including keeping space heaters away from anything that can burn and making sure they are used properly.
"If you're going to use items like space heaters, just make sure you plug them directly into the wall," said Matt Reaman, fire prevention specialist for the Shawnee Township Fire Department. "They can't be plugged into extension cords or surge detectors; they pull a lot of amps, so those need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet."
Reaman also stressed keeping space heaters at least three feet away from bedding, curtains, furniture and clothing, and never leaving them running while sleeping.
The department also reminds residents to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replace batteries at least twice a year, and replace any alarms that are more than 10 years old.
