Safety Tips for Space Heaters

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Fire in Bedroom causing a total loss of Home during cold weather months

Every year many homes in our communities catch fire, some causing death and serious injury to people. Space heaters and alternative heating methods are one of the leading causes of residential fires. These fires can easily be avoidable.

Safety Awareness

The common way to warm your home is a central HVAC system, however some homes are heated in other ways. There are many different ways to heat a home such as space heaters, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces. Caution should be used with all methods of heating a home to prevent fires from occurring.

Fire Hazards

There are a few reasons space heaters are known for causing fires. They just malfunction or are not maintained properly, electrical issues, accumulation of dust and debris, or one of the main causes is improper proximity to flammable materials. Examples of flammable materials are paper, curtains, bedding, clothing, furniture, or rugs. Before using a space heater, you should always check for any signs of damage, like a frayed cord or any exposed wires. NEVER use a damaged heater!

Fire Prevention Tips

To help prevent space heater fires, here are a few tips:

-Turn heaters off when unattended   

- Keep Heaters Away from Flammable Materials

- Use Heaters on Flat, Stable Surfaces

- Keep Children and Pets Away

- Plug Directly into a Wall Outlet

- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions

- Keep Heater Away from Water