With winter approaching, many people turn to space heaters to keep their homes cozy. Space heaters can boost the heat in rooms that tend to be cold and damp, and many people find them convenient to keep their homes comfortable. Used improperly, however, space heaters can be unsafe.
The U.S. Department of Energy has stated that space heaters are the cause of about 25,000 house fires every year. The National Fire Protection Association notes that space heaters are the cause of one third of all winter house fires. These incidents can result in home damage and serious injury, and result in an average of 300 fatalities each year. Property damage from the fires caused by space heaters can be devastating, requiring extensive professional fire damage restoration.
Important Tips About Space Heater Safety
If you’re using space heaters in your home or workplace, it’s critical that you follow important safety practices to avoid injury and damage from fires. These include:
Plugging heaters directly into the wall. Space heaters should always be plugged directly into wall outlets, as plugging them into power strips or extension cords can cause the equipment to overheat and start a fire. In addition, manufacturers generally recommend that you use a dedicated outlet for the space heater and not plug anything else into the outlet.
Understand electrical load limits. Space heaters require a high current flow, and most power strips and extension cords simply aren’t designed to safely transmit the amount of power that supplies a space heater.
Practice safe behavior with a space heater. Safe space heater use includes ensuring that the unit is set up at a safe distance from flammable items. In addition, practice regular maintenance of the space heater: before you turn the unit on, check for any damage in the unit or its power cord or plug. Before you use a space heater, read all safety documentation supplied by the manufacturer. Never leave a space heater unattended and keep children well away from the unit.
Choose the right space heater. In its safety guidelines, the U.S. Department of Energy warns consumers not to buy oversized heaters for small spaces. Large, powerful heaters used in small rooms greatly increase fire risk. The general rule for choosing the right size of heater is as follows: for about every 200 square feet of well-insulated property, you will need about 4,000 BTUs (approx. 1,200 Watts) of power in your system. In poorly insulated spaces, you may require more electrical power.
How Insurance Can Help Protect You in the Event of Fire
Because of the risk of fires in the winter, whether due to space heaters or fireplace use, it’s important that you have the right homeowner’s insurance coverage in place in case of fire incidents.
In Connecticut, Petruzelo Insurance offers personal and business policies that fit your needs and protect you in the event of fire and smoke damage. Call us at 866-479-3327 or visit our website for more information.