How To Use Space Heaters Safely

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Follow proper use when having a space heater running in your home

Avoid a Burned Space Heater

You need to be careful about what you use in your East Dundee, IL, home. Unattended candles or faulty electronics, for example, can increase your chances of starting a house fire. Space heaters can be quite helpful in keeping your home warm during the colder months, but these warming devices can also pose a fire risk. The following tips may help you learn how to use this equipment safely and avoid a burned space heater.

• Consider the Location: Whether you put your space heater in an office, bedroom, or living room, you need to consider where you place the machine. If you put it too close to another object, you may cause the device to overheat. The heater could also start combustible materials, such as bedding and curtains, on fire if it is put too close. Most experts suggest keeping a three-foot free space around a space heater.

• Focus on the Surface: Not only do you have to make sure there's a safe zone around the heater, but you also have to make sure it is on a safe zone. Put it on a hard surface to ensure it cannot tip over. Remember, this type of small heating device is usually meant to sit on the floor, not a counter or table.

• Turn It Off: Whenever you leave the house, make sure your space heater is turned off. Leaving a device running for long periods of time can increase the chances that it will become a burned space heater. You should also turn it off at night.

• Perform Maintenance: Before you start using your heater for the winter, you need to make sure it's ready. You can clean filters, check the cord and test shut-off features to make sure it is still safe to use. If you notice anything faulty, don't use the heater. Faulty devices can easily become a burned space heater.

There's no law that says you cannot use a space heater in your home. Following proper use procedures can help you ensure you don't have to call in a fire restoration team for fire or smoke cleanup.