safety
SAFETY VS. CONVENIENCE
W
ith the hustle and bustle of
combustibles. Keep them at least 3 feet
use, always unplug and safely store the
the holidays ending, we’ll
away from anything that could possibly
heater.
do just about anything to
burn, like curtains, beds or a rug. In
make things easier on ourselves. The
accordance with fire safety, install smoke
convenience of electric space heaters
alarms on every floor of your home and
are great, but don’t forget about all of
outside all sleeping areas. Already have
the safety precautions you may have
smoke alarms? Great! Be sure to test
overlooked.
them once a month to be sure they’re
“Heating equipment is the second
working properly.
leading cause of home fires in the United
Remember, an electric space heater
States,” said Tom VanParis, CEO of
is a temporary option when looking
Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We want
for supplemental heat. Many
to remind members that safety should
homeowners may use this
always be a top consideration when
option to heat specific rooms
using electric space heaters.”
while they sleep, but this
When bringing your electric space heater out for the winter, here are a few quick reminders that could ensure those in your home stay safe:
unattended, it
Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
could overheat
or plug any other devices into the same outlet. That could start a fire. While there is no risk for carbon monoxide poisoning with an electric space heater, it holds many other safety hazards if not used properly. One mistake homeowners make when using space heaters is placing them near
hazards.
off your electric If you leave it
outlet. Never use an extension cord
significant fire and electric shock
is important to turn
by a testing laboratory, such as
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall
family have a better chance of avoiding
or going to sleep, it
space heater.
each use.
By following these tips, you and your
you’re leaving a room
label showing that it is recognized
plugs or loose connections before
your home with an electric space heater.
is unsafe. Whenever
• Check that your space heater has a
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken
Don’t let your guard down if you heat
or fall. As well, a child could play too close to it and get hurt. Place space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may be tripping hazards. And when not in
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