Stay Warm—and Safe—With a Space Heater

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Space heaters are a great way to ward off the chill. But they do bring risks, so please follow these safety guidelines to prevent a fire in your home!

Space heaters cause about one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths, and more than half of those deaths are caused by having combustible materials too close to the heater. 

The good news is that space heaters are getting safer and more efficient. Many of today’s space heaters are not just better-looking but also safer. In the past 10 years manufacturers have improved technology and added built-in safety features like a tip-over shut-off switch.  

Be Safe

Follow these simple safety rules to greatly reduce or eliminate any space heater hazards.  

• Use newer space heaters, not older models.
• Always buy a new—never used—space heater.
• Only buy a space heater that has a safety certification from the Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek’s ETL Mark.
• Don’t leave your space heater on when you’re not in the room.
• Plug your heater directly into an outlet, not an extension cord or power strip. Those devices could overheat and start a fire.
• Keep a three-foot perimeter around the space heater clear of people, furnishings or objects.
• Never store clothing around or on the heater. Don’t place it too close to curtains or a bed.
• Keep children and pets away from the space heater. Either could knock it over.
• Unplug the heater when you’re not using it.

Safety Features to Look For in a Space Heater

Certification. Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark, the ETL label from Intertek or certification from CSA International.

Shutoff features. A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it overheats is a must. You’ll also want a tip-over switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug. Most space heaters don’t come equipped with a GFCI plug, which prevents electric shock. If yours does not, do not use it around water.

Sturdy cord. To prevent overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an electric heater. Most space heaters come with a cord that’s 6 feet long.

If your home or business suffers damage from a fire, call SERVPRO®

of West Hartford today at 860-216-2785

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If your home or business suffers damage from a fire, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860-216-2785