Space heater safety can save residential customers in the long run this winter

Key Takeaways:

• Ameren Missouri and the Jefferson City Fire Department urge all residents to use space heaters safely this winter to help prevent dangerous and potentially costly fires.
• Heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in the United States.
• Energy assistance funds are available to support qualifying Ameren Missouri customers with their energy bills.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Jan. 28, 2026) - Ameren Missouri, in collaboration with the Jefferson City Fire Department, is encouraging residents to prioritize safety when using space heaters this winter. Improper use of space heaters can spark fires that not only endanger lives but also result in significant property damage and costly losses. To help alleviate potential financial concerns of staying warm safely, Ameren Missouri also reminds customers that energy assistance programs are available this season. These resources can help eligible residents manage their energy bills while keeping their homes comfortable and secure.

"Heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in the United States. We see these preventable fires every winter," said Jason Turner, division chief of fire prevention for the Jefferson City Fire Department. "By following a few simple guidelines, people who depend on these appliances to stay warm can protect their families, preserve their homes and avoid a visit from their local fire department."

Ameren Missouri and the Jefferson City Fire Department recommend that customers observe the following guidelines to safely operate a space heater:

• Make sure your space heater is certified by a qualified testing laboratory and has a thermostat, overheat protection and an automatic shut-off if it tips over.
• Place space heaters on a flat surface at least 3 feet away from curtains, rugs, upholstered furniture and other flammable objects.
• Inspect heaters for frayed cords, broken plugs, brown heat marks or melting plastic before each use.
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, not power strips or extension cords. Do not plug other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Always turn off space heaters if you leave the room or go to sleep. Never leave pets or small children unattended near a space heater.

"People should also avoid unsafe alternatives, such as using ovens or stovetops to heat their homes. It's safer to wear more layers, pile on blankets and block drafts under doors to stay warm without increasing the risk of fire," said Turner. "Residents can better prevent and detect fires by using new technologies, such as plug-in devices that can detect electrical faults, and by installing smart smoke alarms."

Energy Assistance Funds Remain Available This Winter

Ameren Missouri is reminding residential customers across Missouri that a wide range of resources remain available to support qualifying households with their energy bills in 2026. The company can help connect customers with those resources and explore options to offer more control over their bill.

"We know winter weather can make it harder for families to stay comfortable," said Lori Hoelscher, senior regional account executive at Ameren Missouri. "If you feel like you may need help with your bill this winter, call us sooner rather than later so we can try to help resolve the situation early and prevent it from becoming a bigger burden down the road."

Ameren Missouri partners with United Way and other agencies to offer the Dollar More program to customers across its service territory. Dollar More provides eligible households up to $600 per calendar year. Another energy assistance option for residential customers is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

More information about energy assistance programs, bill payment options and money-saving resources is available at Ameren.com/Assistance. Residential customers can call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its approximately 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers approximately 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.