Wood-burning stoves and portable electric heaters are often used to warm hard-to-heat rooms. Both are good ideas. But, together, such heaters are the leading cause of home fires. Here are a few home safety suggestions.

Wood-burning stoves
Be sure when you buy a new one that it has a "UL approved" label.
If you're buying a used one, check it first for cracks - use a flashlight. (You might check any you already have for cracks or leaks if it is old.)
Smoke from "green wood" contains large quantities of creosote. The creosote forms deposits on the inside of a stovepipe. This is hangerous because the deposited creosote will burn, turning your stovepipe literally into a red-hot house fire.
Don't burn trash in the stove - the big flames can start a stovepipe or chimney fire.

Portable electric heaters
Turn the heater off when you go to bed, and don't leave it operating unattended for a long period of time.
Always keep it at least three feet from any flammable material, especially bedding or clothing.
There are many carpet materials and rugs that are flame resistant. Most are so labeled; ask the clerk before you buy.
Electric heaters should not be in bathrooms or other places in the house where they might get wet. An electric shock can be fatal.
Just to be sure and safe, unplug your heater. Don't just turn off the switch.
Finally, if there are small children, be careful!! It is estimated that some 14,000 small children get burned badly by space heaters each year.
Compiled from information in Power Lines, Texas Energy and Aging Consorium