Space heaters keep your home warm and help you stay comfortable during winters. But it’s important to keep in mind that these small-sized heaters cause around one-third of winter house fires and 80% of all winter fire deaths happen due to them.
Space heaters pose the risk of fire breakouts and electric shock hazards. However, if you safely use space heaters, you need not worry about safety risks.
Here are a few helpful space heater safety tips to reduce the risk of accidents:
Don’t purchase low-quality space heaters in an attempt to save initial costs. Not only do such heating devices have a shorter lifespan, but they also pose safety risks. Always invest in high-quality appliances that are certified by a reliable testing laboratory for your good.
Keep your space heater on a stable and leveled surface. This way, it’ll have a lower risk of getting knocked over.
Follow the 3ft. rule to prevent fire accidents. As per this rule, keep flammable objects at least 3 ft. away from the heater. Ensure it’s not in close contact with curtains, bed sheets, clothes, or papers since these materials can easily catch fire.
Refrain from keeping your space heater near water, or else you may experience an electric shock. Also, please don’t touch it with wet hands to stay safe.
If the heater or electrical cords feel hot to the touch, it may be an indication that there’s something wrong. Please turn it off immediately and call a professional to inspect it.
A majority of fire accidents occur because people forget to turn space heaters off while sleeping or leaving the house. Make it a habit to turn off the heater when you aren’t in the room and before going to sleep. Not only will it keep you safe, but it also lowers your electricity bill.
Try not to use extension cords to provide electrical supply to space heaters. They increase the risk of fire accidents, electric shock injuries, and overheating. Plug it directly into an outlet and make sure it’s not loose.
USING SPACE HEATERS AT HOME INCREASE THE RISK OF FIRE ACCIDENTS. HOWEVER, THROUGH THE TIPS MENTIONED ABOVE, YOU CAN REDUCE THE RISKS AND REGULATE INDOOR TEMPERATURE WITHOUT RISKING YOUR LIFE.
