Last week Bristow saw the coldest temperatures so far this winter. As temperatures drop outside, many families depend on space heaters to help stay warm and toasty. While space heaters provide cozy warmth in the chilly winter weather, they become a danger when used incorrectly. Space heaters generally rely on electricity, propane, natural gas, or kerosene operate.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the country. Space heaters account for one-third of all home fires and are estimated to cause 81 percent of home heating fire-related deaths. In NYC over the weekend, a fire broke out in an apartment building. Nineteen people lost their lives, nine of which were children. The cause of the fire was a space heater.
When purchasing a space heater, look for those that have safety features such as a tip-over switch, overheat sensor and touch sensor. These features can help prevent the heater from over heating. To determine how much heat a space heater will produce, look at the wattage. Most heaters wattage ranges from 400 to 1500 watts.
Most space heater dangers are totally avoidable if you take the proper steps when using one to help heat your home.
A big mistake that most people make is leaving their heaters unattended or on overnight while they are sleeping. It is highly recommended that you unplug the heater when not in use, to help avoid an electrical fire.
Never place a heater to close to an item that can burn. A good thing to remember is to place the heater three to four feet away from any type of flammable item.
It is better to plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet and is not recommended using a power strip, surge protector, or extension cord. Plugging directly into an outlet will help from overloading the circuits in your home.
Check the electrical cord on your heater to ensure it is not frayed or cracked and that the plug isn't broken.
It is not a good idea to use gas and kerosene space heaters inside your home. These types of heaters are not vented to the outside therefore, they can release harmful gases into the air. It is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in you home. It will alert you if the otherwise undetectable poisonous, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is present in your home.
Make sure your home's smoke detectors are working properly. Smoke alarms are a critical defensive tool if a fire starts inside your home. Working alarms notify you and your family of the fire or toxic gas providing you precious time to get out.
Space heaters, if used properly and with safety in mind, can help keep your home warm and cozy through the winter months.