ILLINOIS, (WAND) - As colder weather moves into the Illinois region, the American Red Cross is reminding families to take important precautions to safely heat their homes this winter.

“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois. “Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.”

Home fires account for the majority of the 60,000-plus disasters the Red Cross responds to annually, with home fire responses rising 30% during colder months.

Tips for Safely Heating Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are the leading cause of h

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