During the winter months and extremely low temperatures, we see many home and business owners turning to alternative sources of heat. 50% of home heating fires occur during the months of December, January, and February. Whether to save on energy costs or to warm up a drafty room, space heaters are best used with caution. Follow these safety tips to keep your home or business warm during the winter months and prevent fire damage. Electric Space Heater Safety Tips When purchasing a space heater, look for a safety certification from a well-known source, such as Underwriters Laboratories Canada (UL). Auto shut off features are beneficial to prevent overheating and hazards if the space heater tips over.  Maintain 3 feet of space around the space heater. Take care to remove flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, and clothing. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) estimates that space heaters placed too close to combustible materials are the second leading cause ...