As temperatures in the Ozarks plunge downward and residents drag their space heaters out of storage, safety experts issue a reminder of the danger associated with them.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 15 percent of house fires in the U.S. are caused by heating equipment—and 45 percent of those fires are caused by space heaters.
The Springfield Fire Department says before using a space heater, you should make sure it has an emergency shut off feature if it tips over.
Also, keep it at least 3 feet away from anything flammable, and only plug heaters directly into an outlet.
For more tips and information visit springfieldmo.gov/399/Fire-Department.