Colder weather means finding ways to stay warm, which often includes the use of space heaters. However, heating equipment can be dangerous, and space heaters can be the cause of fire and smoke damage in Springfield Missouri if proper precautions are not taken. Read the information below to ensure you’re safe throughout the winter whenever you use a space heater.
Space Heaters Can Lead to Fire And Smoke Damage
After cooking, heating equipment is the next most common cause of fires inside homes. Each year, more than 52,000 fires start because of heating appliances, resulting in 490 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and more than $1 billion in property damage. Space heaters cause around 40% of these fires, resulting in 86% of heating appliance-related deaths, 78% of injuries, and 54% of the property damage. Using the safety information here, however, can reduce the risk of a fire or heat-related injury.
Before Using the Space Heater
Purchasing the right space heater is the best way to prevent issues. The space heater should be tested by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory to meet safety standards. The space heater should include a guard around the heating element unless it works by circulating oil or water and has lower surface temperatures.
Before turning on the space heater for the first time, it’s important to read through all of the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the heather, cord, and plug to ensure nothing is damaged. Space heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets, without any other device plugged into the same outlet. If an extension cord is required, it should be #14 gauge or larger. The space heater’s cord or the extension cord should never be run underneath carpets or rugs as this can cause damage resulting in a fire.
Safety Tips During Use
When a space heater is in use, regularly check to ensure the cord, plug, and wall outlet remain cool. If they do get hot, unplug the space heater immediately. The space heater should be supervised when working and unplugged when there is no one in the room, or you’re going to sleep. Space heaters should be at least three feet from any flammable materials and it’s a good idea to check surrounding objects regularly to make sure they don’t get hot. Never place items over the space heater to dry them or use it to thaw pipes.
The space heater should be on a stable surface where it can’t be knocked over and should not be operated in a high-humidity area. When it’s in use, children and pets should be supervised to ensure they don’t get too close to it. Never allow children to adjust the controls or move the heater and ensure it’s not located where people might trip over it.
Replacing missing guards or controls and replacing any damaged space heater can help reduce the risk of a fire. Always make sure there are working smoke detectors in the home to help detect a fire if one does start.
If you ever experience a fire, regardless of the type of heating system, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the smoke and fire remediation job right.