WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
The cold temperatures of winter may make heating your home more difficult. Space heaters offer a portable and convenient solution for this issue, but these devices can also create additional risks and hazards. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to ensure they use space heaters safely and properly.
5 Steps for Safe Space Heater Use
All electrical devices in your home could potentially be hazardous and lead to accidents. Given that space heaters not only use electricity but also may cause surfaces and wires to become hot, safety measures are essential. Users should consider the following precautions:
1. Create a buffer zone—One of the most common causes of fires involving space heaters are because they are placed too close to flammable objects. Be sure to leave at least 3 feet of space between heaters and objects that could catch on fire, such as furniture, papers and curtains.
2. Do not elevate—Space heaters are intended to be placed on the floor rather than on tables or other elevated surfaces. For the safest conditions, find level, hard and nonflammable surfaces.
3. Remain attentive—Don’t leave a space heater running while you are asleep or not in the room. This is essential if you have children or pets who could be injured by getting too close.
4. Power properly—Plug space heaters directly into outlets rather than using extension cords, power strips or surge protectors. Furthermore, avoid plugging additional devices into the same outlet, which may lead to overheating. Check the power cord regularly and avoid use if it’s worn or frayed.
5. Check alarms—Every home should have reliable smoke alarms. Given the increase in fire risk from space heaters, working alarms are even more important. As such, checking equipment regularly is essential to keeping your home and family safe.
In addition to the aforementioned precautions, it’s also generally advised that you avoid placing space heaters in areas with high amounts of moisture or potentially flammable substances, such as bathrooms and garages, respectively.
In Conclusion
Staying warm during the winter can be a challenge. While space heaters may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution to heating your home, residents must be responsible and diligent to avoid potentially devastating accidents and catastrophic losses.
At Stastny Insurance Agency, our experts are well-equipped to help protect your family and home with optimal coverage. Contact us today to get started.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.
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