Space Heater Safety Guidelines: Preventing Space Heater Fires

It is the coldest season of the year again. As the temperature goes down, many people find ways to keep themselves and their loved ones warm; pulling out their coat from the storage, fixing their furnace and prepping their home. To many, the best friend they can have in this season is their space heater. But, because space heaters consume a lot of electricity to produce more heat, it has a higher risk of home fires. This becomes one of the concerns of many. But, with proper caution, home fires from space heaters can be prevented.

What You Should Know

Among the many causes of home fires, heating equipment is second on the list, first is cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2014, heating equipment was involved in around 56,400 home fire incidents. These fires resulted in 560 civilian deaths, 1,600 civilian injuries and $1.3 billion in property damage.


To add up, space heaters are involved in 80 percent of home heating fire deaths and 32 percent of home heating deaths. Out of the total number of home heating fires, space heater fires resulted in roughly 360 civilian deaths, 1,020 civilian injuries, and $559 million in property damage.


With all these disturbing facts about space heaters, having a list of space heater safety tips on hand can help keep you, your family and home safe while enjoying the warmth this heating equipment can give.

Reasons Space Heater Fires

Space heaters can cause fatalities in the home. But the most common reasons for this accident are due to human behaviors rather than technical. Check them out;

1. The unit is so close to flammable items like blanket, mattress or bedding

2. Turning the space heater on and leaving it unattended.

3. Dirty or not maintained chimney.

How To Use Space Heaters Safely

Space heaters are one of the most convenient equipment you can have in this chilling temperature. However, proper usage is very critical.

• When selecting a space heater, choose the one that has been tested and certified by the national-recognized testing laboratory. These space heaters have undergone testing to ensure that they meet specific safety standards. Moreover, manufacturers of these space heaters are required to provide instructions and care information to the customers.

• Choose a space heater with a guard surrounding the heating equipment. This protection helps keep pets, children, and clothing away from the space heater.

• Buy a heater that is suitable for the area you want to heat.

• Before using the space heater, make sure to read the manuals. Follow the instructions and if possible, show everyone how to use it properly.

• Inspect the heater, plug, cord, and outlet for any signs of damage. In any of these conditions are existing, make sure to contact an electrician immediately.

• Do not run cords under rugs or carpets to prevent them from getting damaged and cause home fires.

• Plug your space heaters directly to the wall outlet. Do not use extension cords to power your heater or never plug multiple devices in the same outlet to help prevent overheating.

• If using an extension cord is necessary, make sure to use a heavy-duty cord with a mark of a #14 gauge, or use a larger wire (a #12 gauge). The incorrect size of the cord may lead to a fire hazard.

• Check outlet, plug, and cord for overheating. If any of them are hot, stop using the heater right away and have it inspected by a professional.

• Follow the 3-foot safety rule. Place the heater far from flammable materials like curtains, hanging materials, trash bin, carpet and so on.

• DO not leave the heater unattended when using. Unplug the heater when you have to leave your home or going to sleep. Portable space heaters should be used only to provide temporary supplemental heating and should never be left unattended.

• Never use electric heaters to thaw pipes or dry clothes.

• Position the heater on a stable surface (preferably on the floor) to prevent it from flopping.

• If you must place the heater in a carpeted space, make sure to put it on a non-conducting surface like a ceramic tile. This type of surface provides a safety margin to all sides of the heater.

• To keep the heater from getting damaged, do not operate it in humid areas of your home such as bathroom or kitchen.

• Never touch a heater with wet hands to prevent electrical shock.

• Keep an eye on your children and pets when you running your heater. Make sure that they don’t get too close to the heater.

• Make sure that your heater is safe and in working condition. Never use a defective heater.

• Install working smoke detectors on each level of your home and test them regularly.

Taking safety measures can greatly reduce your risk of having your home damaged by a fire. But, accidents can and do happen, to anyone. In the case your home has been damaged by a fire, contact professional fire damage restoration company, Superior Restoration.