Safety with Space Heaters

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Be safe with space heaters!

With winter in full swing, many of us have broken out space heaters to keep ourselves warm. Whether it is at work or at home, space heaters are a great way to stay toasty when the temperatures get to be in the negatives for days on end. 

When using a space heater, however, it is important to follow best safety practices to prevent a fire. Space heaters are perfectly safe when used properly. Use the tips below and keep your home and office safe and warm this winter.

• Leave the heater on level floor. Don't place on carpet - it can overheat and start a fire.
• Do not use in bathroom, unless it is designed for it - moisture can damage the heater.
• Keep three feet away from flammable materials and out of the way of children and pets.
• Should always be plugged directly into wall outlet. Don't use with extension cord because it can cause overheating.
• Don't leave heater unattended. Make sure to unplug when not in use.
• Never sleep with a space heater on.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor.

If your space heater shows signs of wear such as broken cords, power fluctuations, or inconsistent temperature, immediately replace. An old space heaters can malfunction and start a fire or overheat and leave an odor/smoke smell in the air. Never overuse a space heater and if you smell burning, immediately unplug and discontinue use.

When dealing with frigid temperatures, space heaters are a quick solution to help fight the cold. Using them safely will keep you warm and your home or office safe this winter.