Winter Is Around The Corner - Space Heaters Bring Risk Of Fires!

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Space Heaters in Kankakee Need Watching

SERVPRO Tips to Prevent Fire-Induced Space Heater Damage to Your Home

When the weather grows colder, many homeowners turn up the furnace but also dig out the space heaters from storage. If your home is older with drafty windows and inefficient central heating, you may use the heaters to add another layer of warmth. Sometimes you may hold off on increasing the heat throughout the house because you think it will save money or you have rooms or areas you do not wish to heat. Whatever the reason for using space heaters you may find yourself calling SERVPRO if a fire sparks and your home is damaged. Space heaters often cause fires small and large, and it is essential that you do everything possible to avoid tragedy in your home if you choose to use one or more.

Kankakee home fire damage is not surprising when using space heaters in the winter for various reasons. Often they are located in bedrooms where the occupants are asleep and unaware that bedding or other objects have fallen into or have been kicked over the heater. Children's rooms are especially problematic with toys, games, and books in abundance, all of which can be very flammable if they touch the heater. Space heaters may also be knocked over by pets or people, especially if extension cords are used (which should never be allowed) and trip the unsuspecting. The expense of buying the most currently model may deter some from upgrading their space heaters, exposing family and friends to risks.
 
If you must use a space heater, please abide by the following tips that will make the use of it less likely to be hazardous and a call to your local SERVPRO franchise to restore your fire damaged property more remote.

Buy only space heaters that comply with current safety standards and dispose of those that do not.

Research the size heater needed for warming your planned area and do not exceed the size and power recommended. Watch the wattage.

Position the space heater with at least three feet in all directions of an uncluttered room.

Keep the space heater away from draperies, bedding, papers or anything else that is flammable.

Plug the space heater directly into a properly grounded outlet of the correct wattage for the heater. Know the limits of your electrical system and the load available for space heater usage.

Do not use adapters or extension cords to extend the range of a space heater.

Never leave a space heater on unattended in any room.

Turn off space heaters, including unplugging them, when you retire for sleep. If you are sleeping in the same room with the heater, please switch it off.

If you have the misfortune to experience fire damage from a space heater SERVPRO of Kankakee County stands ready to help you restore your dwelling and your peace of mind. Call for a consultation from one of our fire damage specialists at (815) 935-0077.