From the Mason City Fire Department
Many people try to avoid the higher energy bills by utilizing space heaters. And while these small heaters can be effective, they are also responsible for a disproportionately higher number of house fires compared to traditional home heating methods.
Portable space heaters are exactly what they sound like – small heaters designed to heat spaces generally 400 square feet or less of floor space. Some of them are capable of providing heat for larger areas up to 1000 square feet. One of their most desirable features is their ability to heat a space quickly.
While they make your living space more comfortable in cold temperatures, it is important to note that space heaters are responsible for almost one-third of house fires in the United States, annually. More ominous is the fact that space heaters are involved in nearly 79 percent of house fire fatalities! Here are some tips to remember to help you beat the cold both comfortably and safely this winter.
First of all, make sure your space heater is placed on a solid flat surface. When purchasing one, make sure the space heater comes equipped with an automatic shut-off switch if the heater accidentally gets knocked over. Purchase space heaters that have been properly inspected by a recognized safety organization such as Underwriter Laboratories (UL).
Ensure that the space heater has a minimum of three feet of space surrounding it at all times. Avoid placing it near combustible material such as paper, bedding, furniture, drapes or curtains as these are often ignited during space heater fires.
Make sure that the heater is plugged directly into an electrical outlet and avoid using extension cords or power strips. The power draw from many space heaters can overload cords and power strips and cause them to ignite.
Never leave a space heater unattended. If you have to leave the room, be sure the space heater is turned off, especially prior to going to bed. Never leave infants and small children unattended around a space heater. If children are present where the space heater is being used, use an approved child barrier around the space heater to prevent them from touching and getting contact burns from the space heater.
If you are using kerosene or other liquid fueled space heaters, be sure to follow the same rules in regards to keeping the heater away from flammable objects and away from children. Never leave them unattended and ensure the room you are using the liquid-fueled heater in is properly ventilated. Ensure that your liquid fuel heater is equipped with an oxygen sensor to detect if the oxygen levels in the room fall below a safe level.
Following these safety rules will help you warm up your house bring down your risk of a fire this winter. For more tips and information on portable space heaters, please visit www.nfpa.org.
Peter J. Bieber, Firefighter/Paramedic
Mason City Fire Department
