Space Heaters - Safely Warm Your Home by Avoiding

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Colder weather has already hit SE Georiga. As the temperature continues to drop, many of us will find ourselves indoors where it’s warm. It’s around this time that we bring out our space heaters. While these heaters keep us warm and cozy, they can pose a serious threat to you and your home. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency reports that space heaters account for more than 44% of home heating-related fires. If you plan on using your space heater this year, you should be aware of the potential dangers!

1. Space heaters should be away from flammable materials. True to their name, space heaters can produce a lot of heat. In many of the fires they are associated with, they were too close to flammable materials and caused them to catch fire. That’s why it’s strongly advised that they are kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
2. Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall. Because they draw a lot of energy, space heaters should never be plugged into an extension cable or a power. And even if they are plugged into the wall, nothing else should be plugged into the same outlet. Otherwise, they can cause a fire and/or electrical hazard.
3. Space heaters should never be left unattended. For the above reasons, you should never leave a space heater unattended, even for just a few minutes. While they are great for supplemental heat, they are potential fire and electrical hazards.

As you start to use your space heater in the coming months, it’s important to remember that it carries a risk. If you’re responsible and remain aware of your surroundings, you can safely keep warm.

If you do experience a fire, know that you have a team of experienced fire restoration professionals ready to assist you 24/7! SERVPRO of Brunswick is HERE to HELP!