As temperatures cool down and winter arrives throughout the country, many people will turn to space heaters to stay warm in their homes, garages and workplaces. Though these devices can provide comfort, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in recent years, thousands of fires and hundreds of deaths have resulted from the use of portable electric or gas heaters. Though some of these hazards are associated with faulty products that were later recalled, others are the result of misuse.
Though winter is just beginning in the Midwest, space heater related fires are already making headlines. A space heater was blamed for a residential fire that caused $30,000 in damage in Rockford, IL on November 7. The blaze resulted in minor burns to one person and the deaths of several pets. Hours later, a Waterloo, IA woman was injured when a space heater ignited some nearby linens.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following guidelines for the safe use of portable heaters:
-Make sure portable heaters are placed away from flammable materials such as sheets, curtains, furniture and paper.
-Only use fuel burning appliances that feature proper ventilation.
-Use newer space heaters and make sure they meet the latest safety standards and are certified by a testing laboratory that is nationally recognized. Older space heaters may not meet these standards and should be avoided. Newer space heaters, whether they are electric, kerosene, vented or unvented, have all been the subjects of upgraded standards in recent years. Kerosene and electric heaters, for example, must now feature automatic cut-off devices that turn off the heater if it tips over.
-Heaters should always be placed on hard, nonflammable and level surfaces. Never place a space heater on or near carpeting, bedding, drapes or other flammable materials. Space heaters should be kept a minimum of three feet away from such materials.
-A space heater should never be left on when people are sleeping or near any sleeping person.
-Turn space heaters off when you leave the room or nearby area.
-Keep space heaters away from children and pets.
-Never use a kitchen range or oven to heat a room. It may overheat or cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and every level of the house. Place carbon monoxide alarms outside of bedrooms in each sleeping area. Make sure all of these devices have fresh batteries.
-When heating mobile homes, only use electric or vented fuel-fired equipment.
-Gas and kerosene heaters should be inspected annually to make sure they are operating properly.
-Watch for recalls of portable heaters.
By following the above guidelines, you can stay comfortable and reduce the chances of injury to yourself and your family. You’ll also save time and money that could be lost as the result of a space heater related fire.
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