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13 Space Heater Safety Tips

Electrical Tips

Space Heater Safety PicHeating equipment is the second leading cause of house fires in the US. In the winter, we see portable space heaters being used to make rooms more comfortable. While they help with comfort, great caution should be used whenever a space heater is plugged in. The team at Jeremy Services always has your safety in mind. We put together this list of safety precautions to take when heating your home with a portable space heater:

  1. One of the first things to look for is a label that says the space heater has been tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and meets specific safety standards. The Underwriters Laboratory is the most commonly seen label.
  1. Never leave a space heater on unattended. If you leave the area, or go to sleep, turn it off. It could start a fire.
  1. Fuel-fired heaters, like the kind that use kerosene or natural gas, pose another danger – poisonous carbon monoxide gas could accumulate which can be deadly.
  1. Spread the word about the dangers of portable heaters to your entire family. Let children know it is not a toy and should not be touched when in use. Show them how to turn it off and share the rules with them about leaving it unattended.
  1. Keep small children away and never leave them unattended near a space heater. They can burn themselves easily.
  1. Keep the heater at least three feet away from all combustible materials – curtains, rugs, papers, etc.
  1. Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never set a space heater on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet. They can overheat and start a fire.
  1. Do not place the heater in an enclosed area, such as under a desk or table.
  1. Don’t plug the heater into an extension cord. Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords and power strips can overheat and cause a fire.
  1. Space heaters are for supplemental heat only and should never be used to warm bedding, dry wet clothing, or thaw frozen pipes.
  1. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
  1. Keep the heater out of walkways, doorways, or traffic areas to prevent tripping.
  1. Do not use a space heater if any part is broken or missing (missing knobs, feet, safety guards, or broken wires or plugs).

Related Read: Does Your Home Have These Four Electrical Hazards

Space heaters can be very dangerous. Always be extremely careful when using one and never leave a space heater unattended. If your home is suffering from furnace issues, give the experts at Jeremy Services a call and let us come check out your furnace and duct work and make your home warmer so you don’t need a space heater.

Call us at (913) 375-0070.