Safety Tips for Using a Space Heater

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston was called to mitigate for fire damage caused by a space heater being too close to flammable drapes.  Furniture, rugs, electronics, curtains, books and pictures were charred and wet.  Our professional team went immediately to work evaluating the damage and sorting through the contents of the damaged areas with the homeowner.  However, this fire could probably been prevented if the homeowner had followed the safety tips for space heaters.

It is not uncommon for people to use space heaters in conjunction with their heating systems.

Below are some safety tips of using a space heater:

• Space heaters should have certification labels on them.  It ensures that they were tested in a laboratory for safety.
• Read instructions and warning labels prior to using a space heater.
• Do not use a space heater that has a frayed or damaged electrical cord.
• Never leave a space heater running when no one is in the room.
• Turn off space heaters when leaving the house or going to sleep.
• Have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.
• Change batteries in battery operated smoke detectors.
• Space heaters should only be used temporarily.
• Do not put items or materials within three feet of a space detector.
• Space heaters should not be plugged into an extension cord, but into the wall outlet.

SERVPRO of Stone Mountain/Clarkston has the professional technicians, the equipment and training needed to properly mitigate fir damage in homes and businesses.  Call us to help at 770-496-1976.