Fall has arrived which means that it’s not long until temperatures drop. Central heat doesn’t always cut it. However, space heaters come with a high fire risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Space heaters account for 43 percent of U.S. Heating fires…” In other words, you have a high likelihood of experiencing a fire while using space heaters. Use ServiceMaster of Germantown’s tips to help you stay warm and safe this season.
Space Heater Must-Haves
There are certain space heater functions that promote safety. Review the following safety standards before you buy a space heater. It might just give you the extra peace of mind you need this season.
- First, think of the size of the room you want to heat. Buy a space heater that can adequately heat the area without overdoing it.
- Your space heater should have an automatic shutoff feature. This comes in handy in case the space heater gets knocked over.
- Check if the space heater you want to buy has been tested by a nationally recognized lab.
- Choosing a space heater with a temperature setting will help you avoid overheating your room.
Setup
Once you have a space heater that follows the safety standards listed above, set up your space heater correctly. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent a space heater fire disaster.
- Place space heater on a flat, level surface like hardwood or tile. Avoid placing it on a flammable surface like carpet.
- Make sure there’s a three-foot clear space between the space heater and any other items like a couch, curtains or blankets.
- A clear space above your heater is important too. Avoid placing your space heater below bookshelves or any other items that have the potential to fall on your heater.
- Plug your space heater into the wall directly. Extension cords and power strips can overheat causing a fire.
- Don’t use your space heater in a damp area like a bathroom or basement.
- Avoid plugging in any other electric appliance to the same outlet as your space heater.
While In Use
Once your space heater is set up properly, you still need to keep an eye on it. You should always be actively monitoring your heater while in use. The following tips can help you stay safe while using a space heater.
- Keep children and pets away from your heater.
- Inspect the outlet faceplate and cord while in use. If they feel hot to the touch turn off heater immediately and call an electrician or buy a new space heater.
- Always watch your space heater. Make sure that you unplug it before you go to bed or leave the room.
At Work
Offices are notorious for being drafty and cold all year round. It can be difficult to regulate the heat in a large open building with a lot of people. If you notice yourself shivering at your desk, a space heater is a good option to consider. However, make sure you follow your employers’ protocol. In addition, it’s always a good idea to tell more than one person you have a space heater so that they can double-check that it’s unplugged at the end of the day.
ServiceMaster of Germantown is your local fire and water damage restoration expert. As soon as you experience a fire, contact us at 901-854-6225. Rely on our team of experts to walk you through the entire process, even communicating directly with your insurance provider. We’re available 24/7 for emergency restoration services. Our team also provides extreme cleaning, floor care and more. The sooner you call, the more damage we can prevent.
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