Jan 18, 2024
953
Wellness
Be mindful of space heater safety
Stay warm safely
It may be the cold time of year, but if you’re using a space heater, these statistics might give you even worse chills.
Heating equipment fires: Alarming statistics
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that heating equipment fires resulted in an estimated 480 deaths and 1,370 injuries over the past few years, and $1 billion in property damage annually. Two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric space heaters.
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An NFPA report released last year noted that space heaters were most often responsible for home heating equipment fires, accounting for one-third of this type of fire and the majority (88 percent) of related deaths.
Expert advice on fire safety
Susan Mathers, DNP, MBA, BSN, NEA-BC, Senior Director of Emergency and Trauma Services at TidalHealth, says fire safety should be a priority.
“We see patients every year in our emergency departments due to fires, and the injuries can be devastating. Everyone should ensure they have working smoke detectors and should take steps to remove any risk of fire hazards in their home.”
NFPAs safety practices for space heaters
The NFPA has identified some safety practices that can help prevent fires caused by heating equipment.
Important ones to remember:
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Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people.
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Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
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Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
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Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over
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Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
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Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
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Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room.
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