The cold weather is here for many. You may be tempted to pull out your space heater this winter to stay warm. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment, such as your space heater, is the second-leading cause of home fires each year from December through February. To avoid becoming part of the statistic, incorporate the following safety tips while staying warm:
- Avoid using space heaters to warm bedding, thaw pipes, or dry clothing.
- Look for the Underwriters Laboratories label when selecting a space heater.
- Purchase a unit with automatic shut-off and heating guards.
- Keep items away from the space heater that could be flammable.
- Turn off your space heater when leaving the room for extended periods of time and when going to bed.
- Keep children and pets away from your space heater to prevent harmful burns.
- Check for fray insulation, broken wires, and overheating of your space heater. Have your unit replaced or serviced if you find any of these issues.
- Turn off your heater and let it cool before refueling if fuel is required.
- Make sure the extension cord used is the correct gauge size and type for the space heater if an extension cord is needed.
- Keep your heater away from highly trafficked areas, such as walkways. This prevents tripping hazards that could tip your space heater, causing an unwanted fire or injury.
You want to be warm during the winter months but do so safely.
For more information and tips on how to keep your home safe while using a space heater, contact us today!