AS YOU'RE TRYING TO STAY WARM THIS WINTER, THE ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE HAS A FEW SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND. 

THERE ARE PLENTY OF HAZARDS WHEN IT COMES TO HEATING YOUR HOME SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO STAY ON TOP OF THINGS LIKE HAVING YOUR FURNACE SERVICED REGULARLY SAYS FIRE MARSHAL SPOKESPERSON J-C FULTZ.

ANOTHER CONCERN IS CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING, SO FULTZ SAYS YOU SHOULD INSTALL AND CHECK C-O DETECTORS REGULARLY. ILLINOIS FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED TO NEARLY 11-THOUSAND CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS IN 2020.

OTHER WINTER HEATING REMINDERS INCLUDE HAVING YOUR FURNACE SERVICED AND CHIMNEY CLEANED REGULARLY. FULTZ SAYS SPACE HEATERS SHOULD BE PLUGGED DIRECTLY INTO AN OUTLET, NOT AN EXTENSION CORD, AND BE KEPT AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT CAN CATCH ON FIRE LIKE CURTAINS, FURNITURE AND BEDDING. SPACE HEATERS SHOULD HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF FEATURE IN CASE THEY TIP OVER.