Local fire officials are warning about risk of fires during cold weather.

Fire officials say equipment like space heaters can cause big issues if left unattended.

Officials say space heaters should only be on when you need it and make sure you turn it off before you go to sleep.

Officials also say don't use propane heaters or barbecues inside your home because they can produce carbon monoxide.

"If you don't pay attention, if you have pets in the home, kids in the home, things can go sideways quickly and now you have a fire in your apartment or your home and you have a bigger problem than the cold," says Nassau Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro. Officials also say to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have batteries and work.