As the cold weather blows in, firefighters tell KFOX14 they're getting ready for a lot of calls.

Many people across the borderland are breaking out space heaters and raising the indoor temperature.  El Paso fire officials would like to remind the public about the risks that come along with using a space heater. Experts said they recommend leaving heaters at least 3 feet away from the wall or anything flammable.

"I try to put it in an open area, make sure my cat doesn't get in it," said west El Pasoan Andy Garcia.

"I kind of make sure to unplug them when they're not being used or if we're not around," said Shante Ellerby. 

El Paso firefighters recommend placing your space heater on a solid surface, never on carpet or rugs, or even wooden tables and chairs, because a fire can start without warning.

"There are a lot of people living in our apartment, and if it starts in one apartment, it affects a lot of people," said el Pasoan Ivan Flores.

El Paso fire department also warns never use a kitchen stove or oven as a heater, and check furnaces before using for the first time.

Carbon monoxide poisoning poses a big danger. Keeping bedroom doors and windows open can help circulate the air.

"My window never gets closed I always try to leave it cracked just because I get really hot,” said Garcia

You can buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home as an added safety feature.  As always check your smoke detectors at least twice a year to make sure they're working properly.

For more information on do's and don't when using a space heater, go to El Paso Fire Department Safety website.