There are so many things that contribute to house fires in Illinois.  Sorry to break it to you, the leading fire hazard in the state is probably keeping you extra toasty this winter.

As temperatures continue to drop in Illinois, many households turn to weighted blankets, sealing windows, and cranking up the heat to stay warm at home.

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Sometimes heating our homes comes with risk.  I just use my thermostat and put my heat to 70 degrees, but nearly half of America uses space heaters during the winter months.

Space heaters account for 86% of home heating deaths

"Space heaters cause about 1,700 fires a year nationwide. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), they are the culprits in 81% of fatal house fires caused by heat."

 

Related: Illinoisans, Turn Off This Potential Fire Hazard In Your Home

It's crazy to think heating is a leading cause of homes fires and the third leading cause of home fire deaths in Illinois.

Between December, January and February, those months are when we see the most heating fires and associated deaths.

"Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, accounting for one-third of the fires, as well as the vast majority of deaths and injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment"

 

Related: Illinoisans, Don’t Leave This Potential Fire Hazard in Your Car

#1 Leading Cause Of House Fires Are Deadly In Illinois

Yup, space heaters.  I know you're probably defrosting your toesies right now with your space heater under your desk, don't lie.

Space heaters can heat up to 120 degrees... sometimes even hotter!  Make sure to turn it off when you leave it unattended.  I've done it one too many times where I've left mine on at work and it's still on the next morning.  So dangerous.