Between 2007 and 2011, space heaters accounted for 33 percent of home heating fires. Don’t become a statistic! Follow these space heater safety tips to keep your home warm and your family free from danger:
- Keep your space heater clean and clear- Buildup of dust, dirt and debris on heating equipment increases your risk for a house fire. Clean your space heater regularly and keep flammable objects — like furniture and bedding — a safe distance away.
- Never use an extension cord or power strip- Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall to prevent a fire.
- Only buy high quality equipment- It’s important that your space heater has the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label of approval as well as top-of-the-line safety features. Things to look for include automatic shutoff features and infrared sensors.
- Don’t leave a space heater running in an unoccupied room- Be sure to turn your equipment off before leaving the room or going to bed. In fact, you should unplug it just to be sure!
- Install and test smoke alarms- Make sure there’s a smoke alarm in every room you plan to run a space heater in. If your space heater is gas-powered, pick up a carbon monoxide alarm as well.
- Keep all cords exposed- It may not look pretty, but it’s important not to hide cords beneath rugs and carpets. Cords and plugs generate heat, so don’t bury them in an effort to keep things looking clean.
Unsure about the safety of your heating system? Contact Rusk Heating & Cooling for an inspection today. You’re in safe hands at Rusk! Looking for more tips on heating, cooling and home comfort? Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!