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As frigid winter temperatures settle into Northeast Ohio, many residents are reaching for portable space heaters to supplement their home’s heating system. While these devices are excellent for supplemental warmth, they are also a leading cause of home fires during the winter months. According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., and space heaters are involved in the vast majority of fatal incidents. To keep your home and family safe during this cold snap, it is vital to understand the critical safety protocols for operating these units.
The Three-Foot Rule and Proper Placement
The most important rule for space heater safety is the “three-foot rule.” You must keep your heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including curtains, bedding, upholstered furniture, and even paperwork. Consumer Reports notes that nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February, often because a heater was placed too close to combustible materials. Additionally, always place your heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. Never place a heater on a rug, carpet, or furniture, as these surfaces can trap heat and lead to a fire.
Powering Your Heater Safely
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is plugging a space heater into a power strip or an extension cord. Space heaters draw a significant amount of electricity, which can easily overheat a power strip and cause it to melt or ignite. You should always plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Furthermore, avoid plugging any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater to prevent overloading the circuit. Experts from the Electrical Safety Foundation International also recommend inspecting the cord periodically for frays or damage and never running the cord under a rug or carpet.
Supervision and Smart Features
Never leave a space heater running unattended. This means turning the unit off and unplugging it before you leave the room or go to sleep. If you are in the market for a new heater, look for models equipped with automatic shut-off features, such as a tip-over switch that kills power if the unit is knocked over and an overheat sensor. While modern units are safer than ever, they still require active supervision. As an added layer of protection, ensure that your home has working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas, testing them monthly to ensure they are functional during these high-risk winter months.