Space Heater Safety Tips

1/15/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® technicians are specially trained in both fire and water damage restoration, using specialized equipment, tools and products.

When the temperature drops, portable space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home. But they can also pose a safety risk, no matter where you use them. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, portable space heaters are responsible for 1,700 house fires a year. If you are relying on a portable heater for supplemental heat, it's important to make space heater safety a priority.

 Space Heater Safety Tips

• Turn the space heater off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away from heating source.
• Never plug a space heater into a power strip.
• Check the heater certifications.
• Do not allow children or pets to play close to a space heater.
• Inspect the heater for cracked or broken plugs, and loose connections.
• Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
• Always have a fire extinguisher close by.
• Place the space heater on a flat level surface.
• Read the user’s manual and use according to manufacturer specifications.
• Buy a unit with an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over.
• Space heaters should never be considered an adequate replacement for a HVAC unit.
• Water should never be used to put out an electrical fire.
• Purchase a heater with overheat protection. The heater will automatically shut off its internal components gets too hot.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
• Don’t leave space haters in high traffic areas and doorways, where people could trip over them.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat.
• Keep vents clear of dust and debris.

 Staying warm through the winter is important for safety as well as comfort, and for some people space heaters may be the best way to do that. Using them properly and taking precautions can add another layer of comfort, knowing that you are being as safe as possible. Practicing good safety measures can dramatically reduce the risk of a house fire, but accidents can and do happen. If your home or business has suffered from a fire or smoke damage call the professionals at SERVPRO® of Spencer & Iowa Great Lakes for 24/7 Emergency Services.