The number of home fires increases in the months of December through February and the Iowa Department of Public Safety is reminding Iowans to be safe. State Fire Marshal investigators report primary reasons for portable heater fires includes placing heaters too close to combustible objects, as well as leaving the heaters unattended. The department advises people to always use metal containers for ashes from fireplaces, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters and have a working carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarms installed in homes. According to the department’s website, 107 lives have been saved so far this year by working smoke detectors.

Follow the safety tips below:

– Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters.

– Never use your oven to heat your home.

– Remember always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

– Always use the right kind of fuel and be sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarms installed in your home.

– Portable heaters provide localized heat to an area and should not be used as the only source of permanent home heat.

– If you smell gas, immediately leave your home and call 911.

– Be sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Always use metal containers for ashes and keep them far from your home.