As colder temperatures continue across the state of Iowa, space heaters are a popular way to provide additional heat to a home, but they are also an increased risk of causing fires.

Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams says ways to prevent space heaters from causing fires include the kinds of products that if the space heater tips over, it will automatically shut off. He also advises placing a space heater on a hard surface and not on something that is flammable, as well as looking for potential issues of where you place a space heater.

“And then just make sure it’s not near anything like a curtain, or in the bathroom next to a hanging towel that can – from the radiant heat – catch fire.”

Williams adds having a fire extinguisher in the home can help put out a fire that just started from a space heater, but if the threat is too big, then call 911 so that first responders and fire personnel can address the situation.