Use
Caution With Space Heaters,
Supplemental Heating Equipment
Heating appliances leading culprit of
home fires during cold weather
Falling temperatures and rising heating costs
have many looking at ways to lower home-heating bills. Safe Electricity
urges extreme caution for those planning to use electric space
heaters to help warm homes this winter.
Approximately one-third of all house fires nationwide
occur during the cold home-heating season of December, January
and February. According to the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA), the major cause of these winter fires can be attributed
to faulty and improper use and maintenance of supplemental heating
equipment, such as space heaters.
“Portable heaters can help take the chill
from areas of your home, but are very dangerous if used improperly,”
says Molly Hall, Safe Electricity Director, “Stay warm and
safe, and give space heaters space – at least 3 feet from
anything that can burn, including little fingers!”
Some cities have banned the use of many types
of portable space heaters. Before purchasing or using any type
of space heater, check with your local fire department to find
out if it is legal in your community.
Safe Electricity
offers the following precautions when using electric space
heaters:
•
Purchase
only space heaters that have been safety tested and rated.
Make sure the unit is equipped with automatic shut-off features
and heating element guards. Read and follow all of the manufacturer's
instructions for operation and care.
•
Before use, check to
make sure the heater is in good condition, and have all problems
professionally repaired.
•
Place heater out of
high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor
surface-- NOT on carpets, furniture or countertops.
•
Remember to keep space
heaters at least three feet from all flammable items such
as draperies, blankets and sofas.
•
Do not overload circuits.
Don’t use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space
heater, and make sure the unit is not plugged into same circuit
as other electric appliances.
•
Never leave space heaters
unattended. Turn off your space heater and unplug it before
leaving the room or going to bed.
“Remember, never allow children or pets
near an electric heater,” warns Hall, “Accidental
contact could result in serious shock or burns.”
Many people also use electric blankets to keep
warm during cold winter nights. Before plugging in electric blankets,
check for any damage and inspect cord for frays, cracks or cuts.
Electric blankets should not be tucked under the mattress and
nothing should be placed on top of the blanket while it’s
use, including comforters and bedspreads. Also, pets should never
be allowed to sleep on the electric blanket.
Safe Electricity also reminds everyone to make
sure smoke alarms in your home are installed and working properly.
In partnership with other power suppliers, Wabash County REMC
offers “Safe Electricity” as an electrical safety
public awareness program. Wabash County REMC is a non-profit member-owned
rural electric power supplier serving rural Wabash County and
parts of surrounding counties. To learn more, visit www.SafeElectricity.org.
