Orange County, Fl., if you plan to use space heaters to help heat your home this winter, use extreme caution. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) portable heating equipment, such as electrical and kerosene heaters, is a principal cause of home fires during the cold weather months.

Orange County Firefighters offers the following safety tips and precautions when using space heaters:

• Space heaters have one function - to provide supplemental heat. Do not use them to warm bedding, cook food, thaw pipes, or dry clothing. 
• Select heating equipment that has the UL Mark. The UL Mark on a product means that a UL technical staff member has tested samples of the product for foreseeable safety hazards.
• Remember that 3-foot safety zone. Keep things that burn at least 3 feet away from space heaters.
• Turn off space heaters when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets at all times when space heaters are in use. Even the slightest contact with a heating coil or element can cause severe burns.
• If you have an electric space heater, check for frayed insulation, broken wires, or overheating. Have all problems repaired by a professional technician before operating.
• When buying a space heater, look for devices with automatic shut-off features and heating element guards. 
• Keep the air heater's power supply cord away from high-traffic areas in your home. You do not want people walking on or tripping over the cord.
  

In addition, do not forget about your pets. There is a common misconception that animals will be "fine" if left outside.  This is NOT TRUE!  All pets need adequate shelter from the elements against cold weather.  Pets should not be left outside for any extended period in freezing weather – like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia.