3 Ways To Prevent Space Heater Fires

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

When the cold winter months in Edmond, OK, seem neverending, using a space heater can be a smart option for keeping your home comfortable.

When you live in colder areas of the country like Edmond, OK, finding creative ways to stay warm during the long winter months can be difficult. While space heaters are a great tool for maintaining a warm and happy household, they can be triggers for unexpected fires you may never see coming. Instead of ending up with a burned space heater in your living space, follow these three ways to prevent space heater fires and avoid the leftover smoke cleanup or damage that could result.

1. Keep your space heater away from flammable items around the home. Anything from clothing to curtains, decorations to furniture can become a fire hazard if they’re left near a running heating device. Take precautions by leaving your heater in an open area, with nothing dangling or resting in a close vicinity that can become flammable.

2. Make sure to turn off your heater before going to bed or leaving the home. Space heaters should only be in use when people are around to keep an eye on its use. If you’re planning to leave the home or you and your family are simply going to bed, shutting off your device will help it from becoming a burned space heater. Find one that has an automatic shut-off feature when the device tips over, or when it begins to overheat.

3. Avoid using an extension cord with your heater. If your space heater isn’t reaching you comfortably from its location, using an extension cord might seem like a viable option. However, this can lead to potential electrical issues or even cause someone to trip over and upend the heater, creating a possible dangerous situation. Directly plugging your heater into the wall is key.

When the cold winter months in Edmond, OK, seem neverending, using a space heater can be a smart option for keeping your home comfortable. However, following these three tips can protect you and your family from dealing with a burned space heater that could require professional smoke cleanup down the road. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROedmond.com/.