Getting hot between the sheets isn’t always a good thing, as was the case for a man who woke up to a fire caused by his electrical blanket.

Last year, a DeKalb man woke up to a fire in his room.

“It was a miracle that nobody got hurt,” said DeKalb Fire Chief Lanny Russell.

While it was a very old blanket in that case, Russell said to prevent electrical blanket fires, homeowners need to be sure the appliance is Underwriters Laboratory approved.

To be certain if an appliance is approved, there is a tag near the plug of the appliance with the UL logo. The Illinois-based laboratory tests electrical appliances to ensure consumer safety.

For space heaters, Russell asks that consumers use common sense and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Russell also advises homeowners to be more aware of fire prevention.

“A lot of it is common sense,” Russell said. “Don’t overload electrical circuits, if appliances emit heat don’t have stuff up against them, don’t throw a dish towel over the toaster, and make sure appliances are used properly.”

These tips may be helpful to homeowners as The International Association of Fire Chiefs has released the number of fatal reports that have happened in February.

“We have lost too many people in home fires in the last two weeks,” said IAFC President Jim Harmes. “It is mid-February and by media reports, 59 people in the U.S. have perished in house fires in 17 states since the beginning of this month. We have got to do something.”