AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Local fire departments are reminding residents to heat their homes safely to avoid a fire as temperatures dip into the teens overnight this week. Fire officials say to make sure that the area around space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves is clear three feet in all directions and away from furniture and any other flammable items. They also advise to always use a fireplace screen or keep the stove door closed while burning. Once they are cool, dispose of the ashes into a metal bucket with a lid outside about 10 feet from a building. Lastly, make sure to turn a space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. "One of the biggest dangers of using a space heater is using an extension chord with it," says Agawam Fire Chief Frank Matuszczak. "Extension chords are not rated to deal with the kind of current that a space heater draws and that's a huge fire risk so we only recommend using space heaters that are UL approved, and use a space heater using the actual outlet." The Agawam Fire Department strongly urges everyone to make sure that both their Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are working, and are on every level of their home. Local News Headlines Beverly man charged with firearms offenses, Antisemetic threats following FBI tip Fire officials urge safe heating as temps drop Springfield PD seek new recruits at open house events Senator Gomez attends annual Three Kings Day celebration at Union Station WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.