Texas experiences more house fires during the winter months than at any other time. Here are some ways to keep your family safe.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare--connecting families with children’s health insurance for 25-dollars a month or less.

If you use portable heaters, give them space -- at least 36-inches distance between the heater and anything else, like furniture, walls and curtains. Turn off portable heaters when you and your children are sleeping. And remember, an adult must always be present when a space heater is used around children.

Never heat or cook with charcoal inside. The smoke and fumes are noxious. Finally, smoke alarms are lifesavers! Test the batteries and clean your smoke alarms with a vacuum at least once a month.

Keep your kids healthy. Call toll-free 1-877-KIDS NOW for information or when it’s time to renew your children’s health insurance. That’s 1-877-KIDS NOW.