SPACE HEATERS INVOLVED IN MANY FATAL HOME HEATING
FIRES
As temperatures drop, families often look for alternative
ways to generate heat throughout their homes. While space heaters are good
sources of warmth, they can be very dangerous. Space heaters account for about
one-third of home heating fires and 80 percent of home heating fire deaths
annually, according to local fire officials.
Home heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire
deaths in Alabama, with almost half of these fires occurring in the months of
December, January and February. Common household mistakes contribute to the
majority of these fires, such as placing a space heater too close to things
that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
The (Name) offers the following safety tips.
·
Have a three-foot “kid-free zone”
around open fires and space heaters.
- All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper,
bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
- Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Choose models that have automatic safety switches that turn off the
unit if it is tipped over accidentally.
- Place space heater on solid, flat surface.
- Never use an extension cord with a portable heater.
·
Check the cord before plugging in the
heater; if frayed, worn or broken, do not use. Instead, have an electrician
replace the cord or replace the heater. Remember: simply putting tape on the
cord is not enough to prevent overheating and fire.
·
Keep portable electric heaters away from sinks,
tubs and other wet or damp places to avoid deadly electric shocks.
END