Now that Daylight Savings time has ended and the temperature has begun to drop, you may feel inclined to purchase or pull out a portable space heater. Although, space heaters can be a helpful necessity during the winter months, they can also pose as a potential threat to your home if not used with caution.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second-leading cause of U.S. home fires and the third-leading cause of home fire deaths. More than half (53 percent) of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment was too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.1 Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and always closely supervise children and pets when a heater is turned on. Make sure you turn heaters off when you leaving the room.
Here are some additional safety tips to follow:
- Be sure to never place anything on top of a space heater.
- Space heaters should always be on a flat level surface.
- It is important to always plug your heater directly into a wall outlet. Plugging the heater into an extension cord can cause the chance of overheating and can lead to a home fire.
- Be sure to regularly check that your space heater is working properly. This includes looking for any frayed wires or an accumulation of dust on the coils and grills.
- Keep heaters away from water. Never touch a heater with wet hands.
- Avoid using your oven to heat your home.
- Never leave pets or young children alone in a room with a space heater.
- Never leave your space heater turned on while you’re sleeping or if you are not at home.
- Be sure that your portable space heater has been tested, proven, and certified to meet specific safety standards by a Nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in your home to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. Following the safety tips mentioned above can help to protect you and your family. For more information on how to keep your family safe, visit our website here.