Stay Safe When Using Space Heaters

Space heaters can warm up a chilly room. They can save energy by allowing you to turn down your thermostat and only heat a small area. Unfortunately, they can also lead to tragedy. The Bronx fire that killed 17 people on January 9, 2022, started when an electric space heater malfunctioned.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, heating equipment is the second leading cause of fire in the United States. Space heaters are responsible for more 25,000 home fires, hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage every year. An additional 6,000 people receive emergency room care for burn injuries from space heaters, mostly in situations where there is no fire, notes the U.S. Department of Energy.

These facts and figures don’t exactly give you a warm feeling, do they?

Follow these space heater safety tips to make sure you and your family don’t become one of those statistics.

Space Heaters: Stay Warm, Stay Safe

Before you buy or use a space heater, here’s what you need to know.

DOs

• When shopping for an electric space heater, look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ETL (Intertek) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association). These units meet voluntary U.S. safety standards.
• Make sure your heater has a sensor that shuts off if the unit tips over or overheats.
• Always place space heaters on the floor, not on a table or other elevated spot.
• Position space heaters at least three feet away from curtains, furniture and anything flammable.
• Buy a heater with a thermostat and, ideally, a timer, so it only runs when needed.
• Place the heater away from foot traffic, and make sure it’s safe from children and pets. Don’t allow it to be covered by anything, especially a blanket, pillow or other flammable material.
• If your space heater has a remote control, keep the remote out of the reach of children.

DON’Ts

• Don’t use a space heater that runs on fuel, such as kerosene, indoors or in an enclosed space. These units emit carbon monoxide (CO), which is odorless, colorless and deadly.
• Don’t plug the heater into an extension cord or power strip. Instead, buy a unit with a long cord (at least 70 inches). If you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s at least 14-gauge. Check it periodically to make sure it isn’t warm (a sign that it could overheat).
• Don’t buy an oversized heater. Choose a heater appropriate for the size of the room you want to heat. Most heaters come with a general size guide.
• Don’t run the space heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting, which can damage the cord.
• Don’t operate a heater that might be damaged. Inspect the heater, cord and plug before each use.
• Don’t leave space heaters running when unattended—or while you’re sleeping.

Stay Safer with Smoke and CO Detectors

Every home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When using a space heater, these inexpensive warning devices are even more important. For battery-powered units, replace the batteries twice a year, when changing clocks because of daylight savings time.

Finally, unplug space heaters when not in use. You don’t want to make the mistake of thinking a thermostatically controlled unit is off when it really isn’t. As soon as heating season is over, put space heaters in storage until you need them again.

If you have any questions about insurance or your current insurance policy, or would like a free insurance review, please call us at 877-576-5200.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]