Space Heater Safety

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Whether at home or at work, many people start to use space heaters to supplement their main heating system when the weather gets cold.  This is especially true when a central air system is not present.  Space heaters offer a relatively efficient way to warm the surrounding area quickly, which is why so many people use them. But they do come with some risks if not used properly, which contribute to the statistics that show that heating fires are the highest during the winter months.

Space Heater Best Practices:

• Put the space heater on a surface that is rigid, flat, and nonflammable.  This will ensure that it has a low chance of tipping over.
• Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child’s room.
• Place the heater in open areas to minimize the risk of surrounding things like furniture and bedding from catching on fire.  
• Never use a space heater in an area that contains paint, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. 
• Turn the heater off whenever you are not present.  You can even unplug it for extra precaution.
• Prevent potential overheating by only plugging the heater into an outlet where nothing else is plugged in.

It is important to contact a fire and smoke damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any smoke damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.