How to Prevent Space Heater Fires

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Space heaters are a great way to stay warm, but a dangerous way to start a fire!

Winter’s already here, and we still have a few more months before we hit warmer weather. If you haven’t already, you may consider bringing out your space heater. While these appliances keep us warm and cozy, they can pose a serious threat to you and your home. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency had previously reported that space heaters account for more than 43% of heating-related fires. If you plan on using a space heater in your Statesville home, you should be aware of the potential dangers!

Space Heater Safety Tips

1. Space heaters should be away from flammable materials. True to their name, space heaters can produce a lot of heat. In many of the fires they’re associated with, they were too close to flammable materials and caused them to catch fire. That’s why it’s strongly advised that they’re kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

2. Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall. Because they draw a lot of energy, space heaters should never be plugged into an extension cable or a power strip. And even if they are plugged into the wall, nothing else should be plugged into the same outlet. Otherwise, they can create a fire and/or electrical hazard.

3. Space heaters should never be left unattended. For the above reasons, you should never leave a space heater unattended, even for just a few minutes. While they are great for supplemental heat, they are potential fire and electrical hazards. A best practice is to only run one in rooms you’re actively in.

Fire Cleanup Professionals Serving Statesville, NC

As you start to use your space heater in the coming months, it’s important to remember that it comes with a risk. If you’re responsible and remain aware of your surroundings, you can safely keep warm. But if you do have a fire, however, know that SERVPRO of Iredell County is always here to help!