According to national fire safety data, space heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires, especially when left on overnight or placed too close to flammable items.
To reduce risk:
• Turn space heaters off before going to sleep
• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
• Never place heaters near beds, furniture, or curtains
• Make sure smoke alarms are working on every level of your home
Fires grow fast. Taking a few seconds before bed can help keep everyone safe through the night.
Few More Safe Practices :
- Maintain a 3-Foot Safety Zone: Keep anything that can burn—including furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, and papers—at least three feet away from the heater.
- Plug Directly into Wall Outlets: Always plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip, which can overheat and cause a fire. Do not plug any other devices into the same outlet.
- Turn Off When Unattended: Turn off and unplug the space heater whenever you leave the room or go to bed.
- Place on a Stable, Flat Surface: Always place the heater on a solid, flat, non-flammable surface, like a tile or hardwood floor. Never place it on carpets, rugs, furniture, or cabinets, which can overheat or tip over easily.
- Inspect Before Use: Check the heater, cord, and plug for any signs of damage, such as fraying or loose connections, before each use. Do not use a damaged heater.
- Keep Kids and Pets Away: Establish a 3-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the heater. Do not place heaters in high-traffic areas or doorways where they might be knocked over.
- Use as Intended: Space heaters are for supplemental heat only. Never use them to warm bedding, dry clothes, cook food, or thaw pipes.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation for Fuel Heaters: If using a fuel-burning heater (e.g., kerosene), ensure it is properly vented to the outside, use only the manufacturer-specified fuel (like 1-K grade kerosene), and refuel it outdoors only after it has cooled completely.
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