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Heat It Up: Tips for Safely Using Your Space Heater

  • Blue Collar Electricians
  • November 8, 2019

Northeast Ohio is getting ready to chill out.

Be safe when you try to heat up!

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), space heaters are responsible for a frightening amount of fires each year. Each year, they are responsible for about 43% of all home heating fires. Even more chilling is the stat that shows that more than 85% of all deaths associated with home heating are due to these space heating elements. Should they be banned from home use? Absolutely not. When Northeast Ohio gets cold, it’s a necessity to stay warm and sometimes that requires the use of a space heater. When used responsibly, they can be a useful tool. At Blue Collar Electricians, we want you to be safe and warm all winter long, so we put together this list of safety tips to keep in mind when you are using a space heater this winter. 

Space it out.

It’s imperative to keep the proper amount of space between your space heater and the walls around it. But, walls aren’t the only potential threat. Cords, curtains, tablecloths, paper, and other household decorative materials can be deadly when left too close to the heater. Leave at least 3 feet of space in any direction from your heater to ensure safety.

Inspect to protect.

Even if your heater is brand new, you should inspect it before you use it. Check for cracked or broken plugs and any frayed cables before plugging it in. If there is wear and tear, do not use it.

Use as intended.

Your space heater isn’t a cooking device, a clothing dryer, or a bed warmer. You should only use the heater as intended, which is to heat up open spaces. 

Never leave unattended.

If you are leaving your home, you should turn off the heaters. You should also turn the heat off when you go to sleep so there is no fire risk overnight. 

Don’t use strips or extensions. 

Space heaters can generate a lot of heat and cause a power strip or extension cord to short circuit or catch fire. So, space heaters should always be plugged directly into wall receptacles. But, what if it is your receptacle that is causing the problem?

That’s why we are here. Call Blue Collar Electricians today to schedule your fall safety inspection, and we’ll make sure that your wall outlets are ready for another Northeast Ohio winter! The holidays are right around the corner, and we’ll help keep you and yours stay safe all season long!