Space Heater Safety

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Space heaters are responsible for a third of home heating fires and about 80% of home heating fire deaths. Please make sure you are taking proper precautions if you are using space heaters.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment such as a portable space heater, fireplace, wood-burning stove or furnace. The three-foot safety zone includes furniture, drapes, electronics – anything that can burn.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationery space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Never plug a space heater into a power strip or “multi-plug.” They should be plugged directly into an outlet.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets and do not place an electrical cord under a rug. Dispose of older, fraying extension cords.
• Always use only the type of fuel specified by the manufacturer for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.