Heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and the third leading cause of home fire deaths.
When using a space heater, read and follow all of the manufacturers' instructions that come with the heater.
Other tips for operating a space heater:
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.
- The space heater should be clean and in good condition.
- Place the heater out of high traffic areas and it should be placed on a hard, non-flammable floor surface. Check manufacturer's specification for surfaces the unit may be set on.
- Keep combustible items such as clothing, boxes, furniture, blankets or draperies at least three feet away from the space heater.
- Never use extension cords with a space heater. In order to prevent circuit overload, make sure the space heater is not plugged into the same circuit as other electrical appliances. Space heaters with frayed or damaged cords or plug-ins should be discarded.
- Never leave space heaters unattended. Unplug them if leaving the room or going to bed.
- Propane or kerosene heaters should only be used in areas where the air is well circulated such as a screened-in porch and have oxygen depletion sensors that will shut down the unit.
- Purchase space heaters that stay cool to the touch and that include a fan to circulate the heat.
- Make sure the heater has a shut off feature that automatically turns the unit off if it overheats or tips over.
- Don't use a space heater in a bathroom and never use it to dry clothes or shoes.
For more information about the use of space heaters, call the City of Norfolk Fire Division at 402-844-2050.