Arlington, VA – Portable heaters, including space heaters, are the top cause of deaths in home heating equipment-related fires. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) urges you to use caution and be mindful of the risks associated when using electric space heaters to supplement home heating this holiday season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,000 reported home fires in the United States. These fires accounted for 14% of all home fires and were responsible for an estimated 260 deaths, 1,300 injuries and $500 million in property damage.
A recent ESFI survey showed that while most Americans owned an electric space heater, many unnecessarily put themselves in danger through carelessness. Of those surveyed, 33% percent admitted to keeping their space heaters running overnight, and 19% regularly left them unattended. As a result, space heaters present a greater fire risk than central heating systems. As friends and family come home this holiday season, make sure to use caution when using these appliances to heat your home.
Here are some tips for using portable electric heaters:
• Plug portable space heaters directly into an outlet; do not use an extension cord.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any combustible materials.
• Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised.
• To prevent shock, plug space heaters into ground fault circuit Interrupter (GFCI) type outlets. A GFCI should be used in any area where water may come in contact with electrical products.
• Check the cord before plugging in the heater, if frayed, worn or broken, do not use.
• Keep all heaters out of high traffic and exit areas.
ESFI reminds everyone that electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have reduced electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards.