As we head toward the middle of winter, most New Hampshire residents are familiar with the arctic-like conditions that await us in the coming weeks.

While enduring such frigid temperatures, residents may find the need to supplement their regular heating systems with space heaters. Though these machines can be quite useful during the winter months, New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Paul Parisi warns residents to be cautious.

In fact, he said nearly half of all home heating fires occur in the winter months, with most of these connected to improper use of space heaters.

“It’s tempting to put wet mittens or boots near the heater so they dry more quickly, or to sit close with a blanket to stay warm. But maintaining a safe perimeter is critical,” he said.

Parisi advises residents to adhere to these safety tips when using space heaters:

• Be familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions;

• Put it on a flat surface;

• Make sure the heater’s power cord is not frayed or damaged;

• Keep it away from water;

• Keep children and/or pets away from it;

• Turn it off when leaving the area;

• Keep it away from walkways, exits, or congested areas;

• Plug heater cords directly into an outlet. Do not run the power cord underneath carpets, rugs or furniture; and

• Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

There are many types of supplemental heaters, including electric, propane, or oil/kerosene. Each can be dangerous, while those that are run on a fuel other than electric can quickly replace clean air with deadly carbon monoxide.

“Just be careful. Space heaters account for four out of five home heating fire deaths and really do require some knowledge to operate,” Parisi added.

We urge our fellow residents to exercise caution in the endeavor of staying warm this winter.