As the temperature drops during the winter holiday season, many families turn to alternative heat sources, such as space heaters, to help warm their homes. Many are unaware that the risk of fire from space heaters is 3 to 4 times higher than from central heating equipment.
Follow these simple precautions to keep your home safe and warm this winter:
- Choose a heater that bears the mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before using any space heater.
- Check the cord before plugging in the heater. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
- Do not use space heaters with extension cords. Plug them directly into an outlet on an unburdened circuit.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire, such as bedding, curtains, furniture, clothing, and paper.
- Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables or furniture.
- Do not use a space heater in damp or wet areas unless it is specifically designed for use outdoors or in bathrooms.
- Keep space heaters out of high-traffic and exit areas.
- Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Do not use them to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
- Make certain the circuit into which you plug a space heater can adequately and safely handle the added demand.
- Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn heaters off when you go to sleep or leave the room.
- Turn off, unplug, and safely store portable space heaters when not in use.
- Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised.
Fast Facts: - Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires.
- 32% of home heating fires and 82% of home heating fire deaths a•
- heaters.
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