Michigan residents are encouraged by the Insurance Institute of Michigan to take precautions to reduce the chances of home fires this winter.

Home heating sources are the third leading cause of all residential fires. A recent survey by the American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association survey found that about 48% of households plan to use alternative heating sources to reduce their bills this winter, the institute reports.

"It is understandable that people trapped between a tough economy and escalating energy prices are looking for ways to reduce costs," said Pete Kuhnmuench, executive director for the institute. "However, it is more important that people take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from the devastation of a home fire."

The following are safety tips for heating with alternative sources:

Wood Stoves

Wood stoves cause more than 9,000 residential fires every year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges, and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs, or trash. Inspect and clean pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from a wood stove.

Electric Space Heaters

Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing. Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of the heater. Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away. Always unplug the electric space heater when not in use.

Kerosene Heaters

Buy only UL-approved heaters and check with the local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use. Never fill the heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Never overfill any portable heater. Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room.

Fireplaces Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper, or green wood in the fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

The insurance institute also recommends placing smoke detectors on every floor of a home. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries, and have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths since the late 1970s.

Headquartered in Lansing, the institute is a nonprofit government affairs and public information association. It sponsors information and education programs for consumers, such as the Insurance Information Hotline, a toll-free service at (800) 777- 8005 to help residents get answers to insurance questions.