Space heaters can be dangerous if they’re not used properly or they malfunction — but if you follow these steps, you can avoid complications.

McAllen Fire Department’s Public Life and Safety Officer Dr. Lucas Garza has the following tips:

• • Buy space heaters that are accredited by a licensing agency, such as Underwriter Laboratory, to ensure the safety of the device
• • Consider buying space heater that has safety shut off switch 
• • If you’re not in the same room, shut off the space heater or unplug it
• • Keep out of reach of children or pets
• • Keep it within 3-feet distance from anything that can catch fire, such as furniture or curtains
• • Read instructions and manufacturer’s recommendations
• • If space heater is gas-powered, make sure you have carbon monoxide detector