CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - With this cold weather we've been having, comes the need to heat your home, but there are some potential fire hazards to be aware of. According to the US Fire Administration, heating fires remain the second leading cause of home fires. More than 32,000 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the US in 2021. We spoke with the manager of a local hardware store, who offered some advice when it comes to buying a heating unit. Manager of Rocky's Ace Hardware, Frank Seideo told 22News, "You do not want to leave it unattended all that much. And please stay away from small, tiny ones, because those are a huge safety factor. If you do tip it or if it gets tipped by any other object, it will shut off. And that's what you want. You need them to shut off. Some of them do not." It is suggested to keep items at least three feet away from the heat source. You'll also want to make sure to have a licensed professional check on your heating appliances at least annually, whether it's a wood-burning stove or an oil furnace. Local News Headlines Stay Safe: Tips to prevent home heating fires Massachusetts leaders push back on Trump’s executive orders Spotting the differences between ice on a river and a lake Protect yourself from frostbite during arctic blast 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.