EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. As the cold temperatures are taking hold, there are precautions you should take to stay both warm and safe this winter: Check your detectors Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside each bedroom. You should test the alarms monthly and change the batteries twice a year. Give space heaters space The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said a space heater should not be your main heating source. If you do use a space heater, make sure there is nothing that can burn within three feet of your heater on all sides. Space heaters should only be plugged directly into an outlet. Don't plug them into extension cords or power strips. MORE: Emergency winter hubs activated ahead of frigid cold Keep vents clear If it snows, make sure your vents and exhaust pipes are clear of drifting snow or any other kind of obstructions. Vents that aren't cleared can lead to carbon monoxide in your home. Use caution with fireplaces and solid fuel stoves If you heat your home by burning coal, wood or pellets, make sure you have your chimney or flue professionally inspected every year. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services also advises making sure your stove is approved by a national testing agency. You should make sure anything flammable is at least three feet away from fireplaces or stoves. Keep a screen in front of a fireplace and keep the door to wood stoves closed. Never leave a fire unattended. Ashes should always be disposed of in a metal container with a lid, away from your house, garage or porch. Don't use gas stoves for heat Don't use gas stoves or ovens for heat: You may risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Maintain gas and oil equipment You should have your furnace and hot water heater professionally checked every year. Do not store gasoline or painting supplies near a pilot light. Refill your tank If you heat your home with oil, don't let your tank get completely empty. Call for service if your oil burner releases smoke or soot into your house. Smell rotten eggs? Get out If you heat your home with gas heating equipment, be wary of gas leaks. If you smell something like rotten eggs, you should get outside and call 911 right away. Do not smoke or turn electrical switches on or off, as sparks can cause an explosion. You can learn more about how to stay safe and warm by clicking here. NEXT: Detailed 7-day forecast Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Pinpoint Weather 12 Alerts SIGN UP NOW