Since the heating season is a time of heightened risk for home fires, now is the best time for everyone to consider ways to deal with the increased risk that cold weather brings.

Home heating equipment is a leading cause of fires. Space heaters, including wood stoves, are particularly dangerous, accounting for 32 percent of U.S. home heating fires and 82 percent of associated civilian deaths.

In 2008, there were 66,100 home heating fires, causing $1.1 billion in property damage and 480 civilian deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Assn. Half of the fires occurred in the months of December, January and February.

The nonprofit NFPA advises that the majority of home heating fires are preventable, and offers the following advice:

”“ Keep anything that can burn, including paper, bedding and furniture, at least three feet away from heaters.

”“ Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

”“ Make sure that heating equipment is installed according to local codes and manufacturers instructions.

”“ Make sure fuel-burning equipment is properly vented and install carbon monoxide alarms to provide a warning of any accumulation of dangerous gas.

”“ Inspect and clean heating equipment and chimneys.

”“ Turn space heaters off when you leave a room or go to sleep.

The most recent tally of damage and deaths from home heating fires represents a slight improvement over previous years. This is evidence that every family can take steps to improve home safety, and avoid the dire consequences of fire.