Many individuals use space heaters to help keep their homes or apartments warm during cold weather months. While heaters can help keep an area warm in an energy-efficient way, they can also be dangerous.
The National Fire Protection Association reported that space heaters accounted for 40% of home heating fires between 2009-2013. Not only that, heaters were also responsible for four out of five home heating fire fatalities. Approximately half of all home heating fires took place in December, January, and February between 2009-2013.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Exercise caution when using space heaters. Make sure that they are kept at least three feet away from anything flammable. That includes drapes, furniture, walls, blankets, and other items. Don’t use extension cords to plug in the space heater. Children should stay at least three feet away from heater to help prevent burns and other injuries. The heater should not be in any location where it could be hit with water; this includes bathrooms, the kitchen sink, and the laundry room. Space heaters should never be left on without supervision.
Many space heaters offer safety features such as switches or sensors that will shut off the unit automatically if it tips over or overheats. If you need a space heater to help cut down on heating costs, shop around to find one that suits your family’s needs.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a fire or defective space heater, contact the experts at Schuerman Law today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
