As inviting and cozy as the warmth of a space heater may be, authorities are reminding everyone to exercise caution in keeping warm this season.

“The big thing is not to get complacent with them,” said Athens Fire & Rescue Chief Bryan Thornton. “Stay careful.”

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, stationary or portable space heaters were the leading cause of home heating fires from 2011 to 2015, causing 85 percent of the deaths from home fires involving heating equipment.

“Twenty thousands fires every year are associated with the use of a space heater,” Thornton said. “… You have to be very careful with them.”

When using an older heater, Thornton advised inspecting the cord or plug for cracking and damage. He also advised making sure any guards on the heater are in place and not damaged.

“Just make sure everything looks to be in good, working order,” he said.

If purchasing a new one, the chief said to get one with safety features and proof that those features have been tested.

“Make sure it’s labeled by a nationally recognized tester, like Underwriters Laboratories (UL),” Thornton said. “… Make sure it will automatically shut off if it overheats or if it tips over.”

Once the heater is ready for use, check the area where it will be placed. Don’t leave a heater within 3 feet of anything that can burn, including carpet, clothing, furniture or flammable liquids.

“A lot of people put it in outdoor sheds and garages, but if you’re using a space heater, you want to make sure you don’t have any flammable liquids like gasoline anywhere close to it,” Thornton said. “You always want to set it on the floor. Don’t set it up on shelves or on top of furniture.”

The NFPA reported heating equipment too close to flammable items as the leading factor contributing to ignition of home fires resulting in deaths. Though it was only the second-leading factor in causing home fires, having the heater too close to combustibles such as bedding, mattresses and upholstery was a leading factor in 53 percent of home fire deaths.

To further reduce the chance of a space heater fire, Thornton said make sure heaters are plugged directly into a wall, not an extension cord or power strip, and never leave them unattended.

“If you’re using it, turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed,” he said, encouraging users to go one step further and unplug the heater after use.