(COLDWATER) – Many people use extra heating sources to keep their homes warm during the winter months.

If you plan on using a kerosene heater, exercise extreme caution.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, supplemental heating equipment, such as kerosene heaters, are the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. Home heating equipment trails only cooking equipment as the leading cause of home fires year round.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency would like to offer the following kerosene heater safety tips: Use only 1-K grade kerosene and never a substitute; check the wick every week during the heating season and if it's dirty then clean it.

Never attempt to move a lighted kerosene heater; never refuel a kerosene heater inside or when the heater is still hot; do not use kerosene heaters in a room where there are flammable solvents and keep kerosene heaters at least three feet away from all furniture, curtains, papers and other combustible materials.