Space heater safety: Avoid these risks as cold temps arrive

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — It’s cold outside, it’s cold inside, it is cold everywhere you go — and people are wanting to warm up.

The Madison County Fire Department wants to provide some tips to keep you safe while you try and stay warm. Fire inspector Brian Kemp talks about the dangers that could come from heating devices.

“Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States,” Kemp said. “More than 65,000 home fires are reported each year from heating equipment. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of fire-related deaths in the United States also. So they’re a significant cause of fires.”

If you are going to use a space heater, the fire department has some tips for you in order to ensure that safety is always remembered.

“Inspect those before you use them. Make sure that you don’t have any cords that are frayed, or the plugs fit tight in the receptacles,” said Kemp. “Make sure that you are using the space heater properly as far as spacing. It needs to be three feet away from anything that could burn. It needs to be on a level surface where it won’t trip or be a trip hazard, where it could be knocked over by pets or children.”

Going over all of the tips that the fire department shared with us, Kemp mentioned keeping the space heaters at the appropriate distance.

Secondly, they need to be plugged in directly to a wall outlet. Extension cords need to be avoided.

Third, you need to make sure the heater is not near any water.

As Kemp mentioned, keep them on a flat surface, never leave them unattended, make sure the plug is not broken in any way, and finally, make sure your heater has been tested by certified testing labs.

Kemp also mentioned to never use your kitchen oven to warm your home.

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