MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Temperatures are dropping and the need for heat rising is more essential than ever.

During this time of the year, heating up your home becomes a necessity, and according to Meridian Township Fire Department, a precaution.

Fire Inspector Tavis Millerov, says home heating is an on-going issue each year that the Fire Department brings awareness to.

"I think of two fires right off the top of my head. One was a space heater from a year ago and then maybe a month later it was improperly disposing of fire place ashes," Millerov said.

While fireplaces should be checked out prior to using, another main concern are with modern day space heaters.

Millerov said he doesn't recommend space heaters at all, and would rather they were out-lawed all together.

However, no matter the age or style of heater the same safety rules should be followed.

This includes keeping items three-feet away in all direction from the heater and if you are using a a fueled fired appliance- use the correct fuel.

"Going into the colder months of the year, this is the most deadly time of the year when it comes to home fires," Millerov said. "And more often than not the home heating equipment is attributed to that. We see all kinds of incidents happen, as a result of these heating appliances and a lot of times they don't have a very good outcome."