As winter cold settles into South Arkansas, staying cozy is at the top of most people's priorities. Space heaters make it so easy: plug them in, and instant warmth! But a cozy room can turn into a fire risk in minutes. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), around 1100 fires are caused by portable heaters each year. Without the proper precautions, you or your home can fall victim to a fire hazard.
As an IICRC-certified firm with over 50 years of combined experience in fire damage restoration, we at Restore-It know the importance of fire safety in winter. Given our commitment as industry educators, we will share practical tips so you can enjoy a warm home safely and avoid costly damage.
Today, we'll walk you through the steps to keep your home and family safe while using space heaters. From the most common mistakes to how to choose the right space heater for your home, we cover all you need to know so that you can enjoy your warm and cozy home without the burn. So get ready to learn!
Winter fire prevention: Tips to safely use space heaters
As comfortable and valuable as they can be, even a tiny oversight can turn your space heater into a fire hazard. According to a report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for the years 2016-2020, stationary or portable space heaters were involved in most home heating fire deaths (88%). To prevent this scenario, we have listed the best tips:
1. Choose the right heater for the right space
When it comes to space heaters, one size does not fit all. Here in South Arkansas, where temperatures can dip but rarely reach northern extremes, choosing a heater suited for your specific room size and needs is essential. Small rooms need only a small heater, while larger spaces require more power to warm the area efficiently.
If you are looking for a selection of the best ones in the market, The New York Times made a list of the best ones of 2024 for you to pick from. However, to make the right choice, check this handy buying guide from the specialized nonprofit Consumer Reports.
2. Leave 3 feet of space for your heater
The placement of your heater is key to preventing heating fires. A good rule of thumb is to create a safe zone of 3 feet around the heater, free from flammable materials. This includes all fabrics, curtains, rugs, beds, and couches.
3. Keep your heater away from children and pets
When choosing a place to put your heater, avoid hallways or places where kids or pets may pass by. Teach your children not to get too close to the heater. Ensure the heater is placed somewhere out of reach or set up a safety barrier around it.
4. Inspect your heater before using it
You might be tempted to dust off your heater and turn it on as fall turns to a chilly winter. However, you should always check it before firing it off: look for frayed cords, broken plugs, and loose connections to ensure no signs of wear or damage. If anything looks off to you, it's best to repair or replace it than risk a fire.
5. Plug the space heater directly into the wall
Space heaters require high currents, and many extension cords and power strips are simply not built to handle them. This can lead to overheating, which can turn into a fire hazard.
To prevent this, it is best to connect the heater directly or invest in a heavy-duty, single-outlet extension cord rated for high wattage. This keeps the load manageable and reduces the risk of overheating the circuit.
6. Never leave the heater unattended
Just as you should always turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen to avoid a fire when cooking, you should turn off the heater when leaving a room. As tempting as it can be to leave it running while you run errands or sleep, an unattended heater can cause a fire. Alternatively, you can pick a heater with a timer to ensure it shuts down as you sleep.
7. Keep the heater squeaky clean
Dust can become a significant fire risk if it builds up in a heater. Right before the beginning of the colder season, it's the perfect moment to wipe down any dust, lint, or pet hair from the vents and grates. You can clean the grates with a soft brush or compressed air.
8. Install smoke alarms in your home
According to the NFPA, space heaters, and heating stoves accounted for almost half (46%) of losses in home heating equipment fires, eight out of ten deaths (76%), and seven out of ten (72%) of the injuries for the same category of home fires. This is why every level of your home, including every bedroom, should have smoke alarms. Remember to change the batteries once a year and test them periodically.
9. Check for electrical issues with your heater
Sometimes, the problem may come from something other than the heater but from the outlet or circuit. If your heater's plug feels warm, you see sparking, or get a burning smell, turn it off immediately and unplug it. As these are signs of an overloaded circuit (a fire hazard), you should call an electrician to inspect your wiring. In some cases, especially in older homes, the wiring is not designed to support the power demands of larger modern heaters.
10. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
Having a fire extinguisher within reach is vital to ensure fire safety whenever using space heaters or any other heat-producing appliance. When picking one, ensure it's the right type for your heater. If you have an electrical heater, you should get a class-C fire extinguisher for electrical equipment. But, if you have an oil-based heater, pick a class-B fire extinguisher. Or you can opt for a multi-purpose extinguisher (ABC) for all types of home fires. To use them, the NFPA suggests following the PASS method:
- Pull the pin (point the nozzle away from you, and release the locking mechanism).
- Aim low (at the base of the fire).
- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
As winter comes to South Arkansas and the temperature drops, understanding how to use your space heater properly is the key to a cozy and safe home. Now that you have learned from Restore-It the best tips to use your heater safely, you should be prepared to enjoy the colder months free from worries and concerns. But if you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire, you can contact us. Our Restore-It team is here to help you navigate the journey safely and efficiently.
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