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If you’re looking to add some warmth during these cold January days, keep safety in mind.

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen is sharing some advice before you add a space heater to your home, “Of course keep the space heaters themselves three feet away from furniture or any type of draperies, that way they don’t catch anything on fire. If your cords are frayed, don’t use them.” She also recommends getting a space heater with an auto shut-off feature so that if you fall asleep it will shut off on its own. Also, test smoke alarms monthly.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety is reminding Iowans that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths during the winter months. There were 38 fire fatalities in Iowa in 2017.