Space heaters are a great way to cozy up during the winter. However, your space heater can be a fire hazard if you aren’t careful. We look at what causes space heater fires and how to prevent them.
Is a Space Heater a Fire Hazard?
Yes, space heaters are a fire hazard if they are left on or are used improperly. The biggest risk of starting a fire is putting it too close to things. Whether it’s your curtains, bedspread, or even furniture, leaving your heater on while it’s near anything poses a serious fire hazard.
How to Prevent Space Heater Fires
The best way to prevent a space heater fire is to keep it at least three feet away from anything else in the room. You should also only use a heater that has both overheat and tip protection. This way it automatically shuts off the heater if it gets too hot or if it tips over.
Make sure you read the warning label and safety instructions before using your heater. Keep the instructions and read them again before using it for the first time each season. Also, never use it as a substitute for your furnace.
Plug your heater directly into the wall and never use an extension cord. While it may seem safe, heaters are more likely to short out or overheat when using an extension cord. Always unplug it when you leave the room and never leave your heater on when you go to bed.
You should also stop using your heater if you smell smoke, see sparks, or hear any unusual sounds. Unplug it and allow it to cool, then take it to a qualified repair shop or replace it altogether.
Tips for Prevening a Space Heater Fire
- Keep your heater at least three feet away from anything that burns
- Make sure it has an auto-shutoff if it overheats or tips over
- Only use it on a flat, solid surface
- Never put your heater in a walkway or block an exit
- Keep children and pets away from your heater
- Always plug it into the wall and never use an extension cord
- Turn it off and unplug your heater when you leave the room
- Never leave your heater running when you go to bed
- Let your space heater cool down before touching it or putting it away
- Put a smoke alarm on each floor and in every bedroom
- Test your smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries every six months
- Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home
How to Use an Electric Space Heater Safely
Electric space heaters are the most common because they are pretty inexpensive. While there are several types of electric heaters, most of them have either a wire or ceramic element that heats up. Some of them also have a fan that helps move the warm air around.
Before using an electric heater, check the cord for signs of wear. This includes fraying or bare wires, melted spots, or burn marks.
Also, make sure the plug isn’t bent or broken and fits snuggly into the outlet. A loose plug can create a fire hazard. Avoid plugging in more than one into the same outlet as well.
How to Use a Gas Space Heater Safely
Although less common, there are also gas space heaters. Since they burn fuel and create real flames, they pose a greater fire hazard. They also produce carbon monoxide, so you should bever use a gas space heater indoors.
Only use the right kind of fuel for your heater and never light it if you smell gas. Also, you should only use one that comes with an auto-shutoff if the level of ambient oxygen is too low.
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