BIG SPRING, TX — With temperatures forecasted to fall near freezing tonight through Thursday night in the Big Spring area, many people will be plugging in their portable electric space heaters for extra warmth. Although they can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather, they can, also, pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, as well as, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.
Big Spring Fire Chief Jay Holt advised that space heaters require 3 feet space around it. This includes keeping it clear of drapes, bedding, anything flammable. He also stressed DO NOT USE EXTENSION CORDS WITH SPACE HEATERS!
“Space heaters draw a lot of electricity and when you run them through extension cords that can cause those extension cords to heat up and catch fire. Always plug your space heaters directly into the walls and make sure that it’s properly plugged in. [Also ensure there’s] no loose wires or anything like that,” said Holt.
He also advised to ensure you have an updated space heater that has a functional tip switch. If the space heater gets knocked over, it shuts off automatically. Also, make sure space heaters are kept anything that’s wet – bathtubs, showers, or anything where there’s water.
Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside:
- Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
- Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
- Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
- Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
- Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.
- Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
- Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
- Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
- Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
- Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.
(Photo: Unsplash)
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