A space heater brings welcome warmth to a chilly room. It’s convenient, inexpensive and easy to operate. Many homes and workplaces rely on the compact appliance for supplemental heat.
That comfort comes with serious risks.
A space heater fire can quickly flare up and result in extensive property damage. Every winter, our teams help Chicago home and business owners recover from fires caused by space heaters. We don’t want it to happen to you, so we’ve developed this comprehensive space heater fire safety guide.
5 Space Heater Fire Statistics You Should Know About
It’s easy to take a simple appliance like a space heater for granted. It usually does its job without any problems. However, the heaters are responsible for house fires all across the country. Consider these statistics.
1. According to NFPA space heater safety data, heating equipment is the second-leading source of house fires.
2. The number of space heater fires per year account for an average 43% of home heating fires nationally.
3. From 2011 to 2015, space heaters caused more than two of every five home heating fires.
4. Chicago’s Red Cross recently responded to 21 incidents involving house fires in just one week.
5. Space heater fires occur most frequently during December, January and February.
How Do Space Heaters Start Fires? 5 Common Causes
Space heater design has improved significantly over the years. Models that earn positive independant reviews feature thermostats, shut-off timers and safety grips.
Unfortunately, not all design upgrades address these five common causes of space heater fires.
- Operation too close to combustible materials such as fabric and paper
- Accidental tip-overs that allow heaters to come into contact with flammables
- Space heater outlet fires resulting from overloaded extension cords or power strips
- Electrical sparking from frayed cords, bad plug-in prongs or faulty outlet wiring
- Internal component damage or failure that bypasses built-in safety features
Critical Tips for Safe Space Heater Operation
Space heater fire safety starts with the same basics applied to fire safety in any setting. It’s important that everyone in the family and at the workplace understands and follows these heater safety fundamentals.
- Develop and practice an evacuation plan.
- Maintain smoke detectors in every room.
- Only use independently certified equipment.
- Keep up with consumer product recall lists.
Let’s take a closer look at 12 safety tips for space heaters specific to homes and businesses.
Space Heater Fire Safety Tips for the Home
1. Know Your Heater
Read your space heater’s manual for details covering its safe use. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, download a copy from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Choose the Best Size
Choosing a space heater sized for the room ensures efficient operation. It doesn’t draw more power than needed to keep the area warm, so it’s less likely to overheat.
3. Inspect for Damages
Check the heater for signs of damage. External cracks and dents can compromise the safety of internal components. If you notice scorch marks on the unit, replace it immediately.
4. Confirm Electrical Connections
Make sure the heater cord isn’t frayed and the plug securely fits into wall outlets. Never use plug-in timers with a space heater or plug it into a GFCI outlet.
5. Position With Care
Always position the unit on a hard, level floor at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Keep the heater and its power cord away from carpets and rugs.
6. Avoid Water Hazards
If you use a space heater in the bathroom or kitchen, never touch it while you’re wet or standing in water. Leaks from nearby windows or faulty plumbing can also create a hazardous situation.
7. Protect Kids and Pets
Don’t let children or pets within 3 feet of the heater even when it’s turned off. Establish and enforce this safety zone rule so that it becomes routine.
8. Never Leave It Unattended
When you leave the room, turn the space heater off. When you take a nap or go to bed for the night, unplug the unit. Never leave the appliance unattended.
Space Heater Fire Safety Tips for the Workplace
1. Develop a Plan
Develop a policy for safely operating space heaters in the workplace. Distribute copies of the plan to all employees, review the details on a regular basis, and keep everyone up to date on any changes.
2. Avoid Circuit Overloads
Be careful using space heaters in areas that draw power for heavy equipment or run multiple work stations. This safety tip helps avoid dangerous circuit overloads.
3. Designate Heater Monitors
Assign different employees to keep an eye on space heaters in their area. Duties should include regular visual checks and making sure units are turned off at the end of each day or shift.
4. Implement Inspection Routines
Establish an inspection routine for all space heaters in the workplace. Check them weekly for scorch marks or frayed cords. Immediately replace damaged units.
What To Do If a Space Heater Catches On Fire
Knowing how to put out a space heater fire helps limit property damage, and it keeps you safer. The appliance’s compact size usually makes it easier to control in case of a fire, but always treat it with the same extreme caution you’d use with any other type of electrical fire.
1. If possible, unplug the heater
Don’t try to smother the flames with a blanket or anything else that might catch on fire. Never throw water on a space heater fire.
2. Put out the fire with a class C extinguisher
You can also use baking soda to put out a very small space heater fire. Don’t leave the area until you’re sure the flames are completely out.
3. Contact a fire damage restoration professional
Even a small fire can leave behind serious damage. Contact a restoration professional like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba in Chicago for cleanup and mitigation. Don’t use the wall outlet again until it’s been inspected by a licensed electrician.
Dealing With the Aftermath of a Space Heater Fire in Chicago? We Can Help!
We want you to stay warm this winter and stay safe too. Treat space heaters with care and caution, and never operate them without someone in the room.
If you do experience a space heater fire at your Chicago home or business, we’re here for you. Our teams are ready to respond 24/7 with industry-certified fire damage restoration services.
When you need expert help right away, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: 773-647-1985
The post How to Prevent a Space Heater Fire: 12 Critical Safety Tips appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.
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