Play It Safe with Space Heaters

Winter is a wonderful time of the year, especially when you have the opportunity to cuddle up with a warm blanket on a comfy couch.  Space heaters are perfect resources for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home as the temperatures outside drop. When used and maintained properly, these sources of warmth are ideal alternatives to using a fireplace or furnace. However, they can easily endanger your home and family when left neglected.

How dangerous are space heaters? According to the National Fire Protection Agency, nearly half of all fires related to home-heating sources are caused by space heaters. Many of these unfortunate incidents can be prevented with responsible practices. All homeowners should be aware of the dangers that space heaters may pose in your home. Consider these tips any time you use your space heater this season.

• Invest in a Reliable Space Heater
  If you've had your space heater for many years, now is a good time to replace it. Newer models have safety features including automatic shut-off technology that cuts the power to the machine when it fails or when it overheats.
• Maintain Your Space Heater Annually
  Even if your space heater is brand new, you should get into the habit of inspecting it before and after the cold season. Exposed wiring, damaged components, or signs of overheating should always be repaired professionally before using the machine.
• Keep a Safe Distance
  Even on the most frigid of nights, you need to ensure that your space heater is kept at a safe distance away from any object that can burn or catch fire. Put at least three feet between the space heater and your furniture, family, and pets.
• Operate it Correctly
  Using a space heater responsibly involves knowing how to operate it. The device should always be placed on a solid, flat surface like a tile or hardwood floor. Never run the cord beneath rugs or carpets and don't block walkways or doorways with the heating unit.
• Remember to Turn it Off
  Though most homeowners know that the space heater should be turned off before going to sleep or leaving the house, all it takes is one lapse in memory to endanger your home. Get into a habit of turning it off 30 minutes before you leave the house or go to sleep.
• Only Use Wall Outlets
  The space heater should only be plugged into a wall, not an extension cord or another power source. These machines draw a lot of power and can pose electrical hazards if it's not plugged into an appropriate outlet.
• Be Especially Careful in Unfinished Areas
  The cold weather encourages many homeowners to tackle indoor home improvement projects. We recommend not using a space heater in these areas, as there are often many flammable materials that could quickly catch fire despite using the space heater as responsibly as possible. If you need to use it while you complete your home improvement project, be careful.
• Use Combustible Space Heaters Responsibly
  Gas-operated space heaters pose additional dangers, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and risks of explosion. Only use these space heaters in well-ventilated areas, only use the correct fuel source, and never leave them running while away from home.

If you want to stay warm this winter, it's important that you always play it safe with space heaters. By operating and maintaining it responsibly throughout the season, you decrease the chances of creating a fire or electrical hazard in your home.    

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