Tips to Stay Safe With Space Heaters
As temperatures drop in Grand County, Colorado, many homeowners turn to space heaters for extra warmth. While space heaters can provide quick comfort, they are also one of the leading causes of home heating fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are responsible for 32% of home heating fires and tragically account for 80% of home heating fire deaths in the U.S. Each year, they cause over 19,000 fires, leading to approximately 360 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries.
Given how quickly a house fire can become life-threatening—often in a matter of minutes—it’s crucial to follow safety practices when using space heaters in your home. Here are some essential space heater safety tips that will help protect you and your loved ones.
1. Maintain a Safe Distance
Space heaters should always be positioned at least 3 feet away from anything flammable, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses, bedding, curtains, and other combustible materials.
2. Choose the Right Placement
Place your space heater on a hard, flat, and non-flammable surface. Avoid placing it on soft surfaces like rugs, carpets, or furniture that could easily ignite. Ensure the heater is stable to prevent it from tipping over.
3. Keep Children and Pets Safe
Space heaters can be dangerous for children and pets. Keep them at a safe distance to avoid burns or accidents. Consider a space heater with safety features such as a cool-touch exterior to minimize the risk of burns.
4. Never Leave a Space Heater Unattended
Always turn off your space heater when leaving a room or your home. Unattended heaters pose a significant risk, as fires can start quickly and grow out of control. Make turning off your heater a routine part of your day, especially before leaving the house or going to sleep.
5. Avoid Using Extension Cords
Plug your space heater directly into a grounded wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, which can overheat and increase the risk of electrical fires. Grounded outlets provide the safest power source for your heater.
6. Look for Built-In Safety Features
When purchasing a space heater, opt for models with built-in safety features. These include:
- Automatic Shut-off Thermostat: Shuts the heater off when the room reaches the desired temperature.
- Overheat Protection: A thermal cut-off switch that shuts down the unit if it becomes too hot.
- Tip-Over Protection: Shuts off the heater if it accidentally falls over, preventing fire hazards.
7. Test Your Smoke Alarms Regularly
Working smoke alarms are essential for early fire detection. Ensure there is a functioning smoke alarm on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed to keep them in working order.
8. Consider Safer Heating Alternatives
If you rely heavily on space heaters, consider upgrading your home’s heating system to something more efficient and safer, like a furnace or a ductless heating system. At Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating, we offer expert heating solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Contact us today to explore your options and stay warm this winter.
