As soon as the temperatures start dipping below 60 degrees here in the Southeast, many of us pull out our boots, coats, and space heaters! As it’s likely been a few months since you last used it, we wanted to share our best space heater fire safety tips.
At First Call, we are passionate about keeping our fellow neighbors in the Triad region safe and dry all year. We have seen firsthand how quickly a small fire hazard can cause an emergency that threatens the home and the people you love. With these tips, you can stay warm this winter season without worrying. But if an emergency does happen, know you can count on us for your cleaning and restoration needs.
1. Keep Your Space Heater Clean
The first thing to do when you pull out your space heater is to dust it off and clean any grates, coils, or other visible and accessible surfaces. Dust and other debris like lint or pet hair are highly flammable and can smoke or burn as the space heater runs and becomes hot. Before plugging it in for the first time, wipe it down and make sure it is working correctly. Then, continue to dust and clean it often throughout the winter season.
2. Give It Plenty of Room to Breathe
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters need to be three feet away from anything, especially anything flammable. This includes things like blankets, couches or beds, garlands or other home decor, and clothing.
3. Do Not Leave the Space Heater Unattended
One of the most simple space heater fire safety tips is to turn off the heater when you leave the room. Even if you’re just running upstairs to start a load of laundry or outside to the mailbox, it is important to turn off your heater. This is even more important when you are leaving the house. For something like a space heater that is already hot, it doesn’t take much for it to start a fire.
4. When Possible, Choose a Heater with Auto-Off Settings
Carrying over from tip #3, choose a space heater with automatic-off settings. There are a few different types of auto-off settings that can help make the space heater safer. These include an overheating prevention sensor and a sensor to turn off the heater if it falls. It is also best to choose a heater that uses a thermostat to turn on and off, rather than one that runs continuously. These heaters allow you to control how hot you want them to be, and enable the device to cool down when not running.
5. Only Use Heaters That Are Lab-Tested
One way to ensure your heater is safe to use is to check for a lab-tested seal. An example of this is UL certification. If something has a UL seal on it, you know that the item passed basic safety tests before being sold. You still need to use caution, as the product model itself is tested and not each and every heater.
6. Make Sure the Space Heater is in a Flat, Sturdy Place
Earlier in our space heater fire safety tips, we recommended keeping the area around your heater clear. So now, you might be wondering, “Where should you place a space heater in a room?” You should set it up in an area that is open, flat, and sturdy. The space heater needs to be able to stay upright and balanced to be as safe as possible. It is best to set the heater directly on the floor. But if you have a thick, fuzzy carpet, you can set up a small, sturdy stool. It is not a good idea to place the heater up high on a table or dresser as this increases its chances of tipping over or having flammable items placed around it.
7. Keep the Space Heater Away from Children and Pets
Curiosity or a lack of awareness can lead children or pets to play too close to your space heater or try to touch it. When this happens, they risk not only burning themselves, but also starting a fire by tipping over the heater. To keep everyone safe, place the heater out of their reach. You can do this by placing the heater behind a safety gate or in an area of the room they can’t access. If you do have pets or little kids running around, a space heater that automatically shuts off when tipped over is especially helpful.
8. Double-Check Your Smoke Alarms Around the House
This is a little different than our other space heater fire safety tips, but just as important. According to a report on home heating fires conducted by the NFPA, fires started by space heaters in the bedroom accounted for a disproportionate number of deaths compared to how many total fires they caused. This is because response times are slower when people are asleep. Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives during home fires. If you’re about to start using your space heaters again, it’s a good idea to test your smoke alarms and update them where needed.
9. Turn the Space Heater Off When You Go to Sleep
Unfortunately, the answer to, “Is it safe to leave a space heater on all night?” is no. As tempting as it is to leave your heater on, it is better to turn off and unplug the heater before going to bed to ensure your safety. Heavier blankets, flannel sheets, or warmer pajamas can all keep you warm without the risk. If you must rely on a space heater for overnight warmth, opt for one with safety features such as a timer or automatic shut-off.
10. Do Not Plug the Space Heater into an Extension Cord
Plugging a space heater into an extension cord can pose a serious fire hazard. Space heaters need a significant amount of power, which extension cords are not always designed to handle. This can lead to overheating, melting cords, or even an electrical fire. Always plug your space heater into a properly grounded wall outlet. Avoid using damaged or worn-out outlets, and never overload the circuit by plugging in other high-powered devices at the same time.
What Are The Statistics On Fires Caused By Space Heaters?
Space heater fire statistics illustrate the importance of following safety guidelines when using these heaters in your home. According to the NFPA, space heaters are responsible for one-third of all home heating fires. They cause more deaths and injuries than other home heating equipment. But, improving safety features like those we’ve mentioned in this blog are helping the number of space heater fires decrease. That is why tips like these matter: because using extra care when heating your home can make a life-saving difference.
First Call Can Keep You Safe and Warm This Winter: Find Out How!
By implementing these space heater fire safety tips, you can reduce the risk of a fire caused by a space heater and protect yourself, your family, and your property from harm. If a fire does start in your home, remember that quick action can determine how well your home recovers.
Whether you just had a fire and need help restoring your house, or you’re looking to protect your home from fire hazards by keeping your dryer vents clean, contact us at First Call first! Use this form to learn more about our professional cleaning and restoration services.
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Sources:
National Fire Protection Association, “Fire Statistical Reports, Heating Equipment,” https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/heating-equipment
National Fire Protection Association, “Report on Home Heating Fires,” https://content.nfpa.org/-/media/Project/Storefront/Catalog/Files/Research/NFPA-Research/US-Fire-Problem/Fire-causes/osHeating.pdf?rev=4ca41ad549ab46318d6dff4f03033a06
National Fire Protection Association, “Requirements for Portable Electric Heaters and Other Heating Appliances,” https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2018/02/16/nfpa-1-requirements-for-portable-electric-heaters-and-other-heating-appliances-firecodefridays
