Use Your Space Heater Safely This Winter Nashville

11/18/2016 (Permalink)

Be safe when using space heaters!

As the months roll on and the winter season approaches, it is important to talk about home fire safety - especially with space heaters. SERVPRO of Belle Meade wants you to remain warm and safe Nashville, so here are some tips and stats on space heaters.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between “2009-2013, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 56,000 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 470 civilian deaths, 1,490 civilian injuries, and $1.0 billion in direct property damage. These fires accounted for 16% of all reported home fires”. Those are astonishing numbers.

Also consider:

Based on 2009-2013 annual averages:

• Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for two of every five (40%) of home heating fires and four out of five (84%) of home heating fire deaths.
• The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (30%) was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
• Placing things that can burn too close to heating equipment or placing heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, was the leading factor contributing to ignition in fatal home heating fires and accounted for more than half (56%) of home heating fire deaths.
• Nearly half (49%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

Source: NFPA's “Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment" report by Richard Campbell, April 2016.

So how do you stay safe when using a space heater? Consider these as essential elements for buying.

1. Consider the size. If you are only trying to keep a small space warm then one of the smaller spot heating units should do the trick. If you are attempting to heat an entire room then one of the larger units makes more sense.
2. Check for safety measures. Be sure your heater has a temperature sensor that automatically shuts down the unit when it has reached a certain temperature or has been running for a certain amount of time. Just as important is a sensor that detects when it has tipped over.
3. NEVER USE AN EXTENSION CORD. Extension cords will not protect portable space heaters from surges and can heat up rather quickly from electric currents causing the extension cord to melt and create a fire hazard.
4. Handles are especially useful for moving smaller units without risking burning your hands.
5. Thermostats that show room temperature and the temperature of the unit are also useful.
6. Timers are helpful if you just want a quick boost of heat and then the option to shut it off automatically. This can tempt some people to leave the room while it is running but we do not recommend that.
7. Make sure the power cord gives you at least 70 inches of length because you can NEVER USE AN EXTENSION CORD!

So Nashville, prevent a fire in your home this winter by following these guidelines when using your space heater!