Space Heater Safety

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

Who doesn't like a space heater to keep their feet warm at your desk on a chilly day.  Or to plug one in to warm up a room.  A supplemental heat source should be operated with a measure of caution. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters, whether portable or stationary, account for two of every five (40%) of home heating fires and four out of five (84%) of home heating fire deaths. If you're using a space heater, help reduce the risk of fire with these tips:

Radiant space heaters warm whatever is directly in front of them, while convection heaters can help make an entire room feel more comfortable. To use them safely, consider the following tips:

• Purchase units with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
• Keep heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, such as upholstery, curtains, pets or people. Approximately half of fires in residential buildings involving a portable heater occur because the unit is too close to a combustible material.
• Keep the unit on a level surface and plug it directly into a wall outlet.
• Never use a space heater to dry clothing.
• Select a unit that automatically switches off if the unit tips over.
• Do not leave a space heater unattended, especially when children or pets are in the room. Do not leave an electric heater on overnight or when you're sleeping.

Your friends at SERVPRO of Jefferson City hope these winter weather safety tips are useful to you.  Safety first.