As a winter storm impacts much of the country, South Florida may also experience a drop in temperatures, often leading residents to use space heaters and fireplaces more frequently.

The American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters each year, the majority of them home fires. Responses to home fires are 30% higher during colder months, making heating safety especially critical right now.

The Red Cross is sharing these key safety reminders for your audience:

Home heating safety tips

• Never leave space heaters unattended. Place them on a level, nonflammable surface—never on rugs, carpets, or near bedding or curtains.

• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets; never use extension cords. Turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

• Keep children, pets, and anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.

• Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.

• Do not leave fires unattended in fireplaces. Ensure embers are fully extinguished before bed or leaving home, and use a glass or metal screen.

• Have furnaces, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.