6. Give it a rest

Space heaters are not designed for long-term or overnight use. Phil Crombie, managing forensic specialist at Travelers, said people are inclined to keep them turned on while they sleep. "When people are sleeping, it gets warm, they throw the comforter or the sheets off and those come in contact with the heater and become ignited. By the time the person wakes up, there's a fire on the bed."