Did you know that space heater fires make up half of all winter home heating fires? Based on 2007-2011 annual averages, space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (33%) of home heating fires and four out of five (81%) of home heating fire deaths.
Play it smart and follow all the rules to ensure your family and home are safe. With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.
- Buy new heaters that have been tested and given a safety certification.
- Select a heater with an automatic shut off in case it is accidentally tipped over, or overheats, and screens to prevent accidental touching of the heating coils.
- Inspect heaters and heating cords to be certain they are in good order. If not, hire an appliance service professional to fix them. Do not use electrical tape on cords or attempt to fix a heater yourself.
- Do not place anything above the heater that could fall onto it and burn.
- Never set a space heater on top of a counter or table where it could be knocked over.
- Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around space heaters.
- Plug heater directly into the wall, do not use extension cords.
- Be certain that the space around the heater is clear of items that could catch on fire, including bedding, paper, walls and people.
The use of space heaters in the Pacific Northwest is quite
common in the winter. While these seemingly harmless devices may be an efficient way to
heat a cold or drafty space, they can pose certain safety hazards when used
incorrectly. Taking appropriate safety measures is vital in preventing an
accident and keeping your family safe.
No comments:
Post a Comment