Space heaters are a risky way to warm your home. Supplemental heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires in December, January and February, and it trails only cooking equipment as the leading cause of home fires year-round, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Space heaters can ignite nearby items, which is why it’s essential to keep anything flammable at least three feet away.

Here are other risk-reduction tips from Underwriters Laboratories:

• Use space heaters only for their intended purpose, not for tasks such as warming bedding, cooking, thawing pipes or drying clothing.
• When you’re buying a heater, choose one with the UL logo. Look for automatic shut-off features and heating-element guards.
• If you’re considering buying a kerosene heater, check with your fire department to find out if it’s legal in your community.
• Turn the heater off when you’re not in the room or when you go to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets when space heaters are in use.

l Don’t use an electric space heater with frayed insulation or broken wires, or one that overheats.

l For a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Other fuels could burn too hot and cause a serious fire.

l Turn off the heater and let it cool completely before adding fuel. Wipe up spills promptly.

l Avoiding using extension cords with space heaters. If you must use one, make sure the cord is of the right wire gauge size and type for your heater.

l Keep the heater’s power cord away from high-traffic areas, so people won’t walk on it or trip over it.