OLDER ADULT FIRE SAFETY - HEATING Are space heaters in your home close to curtains, a stack of newspapers or other flammable materials? Heating is the second leading cause of fire death for older adults. To make sure you’ll stay warm and safe this winter, follow these life-saving tips: When buying a space heater, look for the auto-off feature should the heater fall over. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from other objects. Your fireplace should have a screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs. This message is brought to you by the United States Fire Administration, your local fire department and this radio station.