Springfield, IL – As chilly “-ber” months settle in across Illinois, state fire officials are reminding residents to use extra caution when using portable space heaters this winter.
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, portable heaters cause thousands of home fires nationwide each year—many of them preventable. The agency shared seven key safety habits to help Illinois families stay warm and safe.
Officials urge residents to keep all sides of a heater at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire, including curtains, bedding, and furniture. Heaters should never be left running while unattended or while sleeping.
The Fire Marshal also warns against using extension cords or power strips with space heaters, as they can overheat. Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet and keep cords out from under rugs or carpeting.
If a heater’s cord or plug feels hot, officials say to disconnect it immediately and have it checked by a certified electrician. Heaters should always be placed on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping, and residents are encouraged to visit SaferProducts.gov to see if their heater model has been recalled.
The safety message comes as temperatures across Illinois dip below freezing in some areas, prompting many to pull out older heaters for the season.
Fire officials remind: “A little distance and attention can save lives.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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