Tips for Avoiding Space Heater Fires

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

One of the biggest causes of Barrington Hills, IL, house fires are space heaters

One of the biggest causes of Barrington Hills, IL, house fires are space heaters. When the temperatures drop and homes start to feel chilly, heating equipment of all kinds are put to use, but space heaters tend to be among the most dangerous of the equipment. With a little bit of information and improved habits, you can reduce the risk of and maybe avoid a burned space heater and a fire in your home.

Fire Prevention Steps

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends some preventative measures that homeowners can take to avoid house fires and burn injuries:

• Make sure the appliance is on a level, nonflammable floor.
  Situate the heater about three feet away from curtains, sheets, blankets, and other upholstery.
• Keep these appliances out of your garage or workshop where you may have gasoline, cleaning chemicals, and other flammable items.
• Don't put space heaters in enclosed areas, such as under or behind a desk.
• Never plug heaters into extension cords or surge protectors. Let these appliances have their own outlets.
• Don't leave heaters running when you leave or when you go to sleep. Turn off the heater and unplug it to avoid trouble.
• Never run a burned space heater.
• Make sure you have fire and smoke alarms positioned appropriately throughout your home.

One more thing you should do is make sure that the space heaters in your home have tip-over switches that shut the device down if it overheats, falls, or gets knocked over.

The Best Features of Heaters
There are some other features to look for when you buy a heater. Try to find a device with a GFCI plug; many heaters don't come with this feature and should not be used near water. Only choose appliances with a safety certification label, such as a UL sticker. Check with your local fire station to learn more about this safety step.

Time To Contact Professionals
If you see a burned space heater, it's important to look for other signs of danger. Contact local fire and smoke cleanup professionals to correct and repair damage and to make sure there aren't hidden dangers.