Avoid Fire and Smoke Damage caused by space heaters — Follow these tips

Space heaters are great for providing supplemental heat when you need it, but caution must be exercised when using them. Here’s a few tips on making sure your space heater is being operated in a safe and efficient manner to avoid fire and smoke damage in your home:

1. Keep it at least 3 feet from anything flammable

The leading cause of fire and smoke damage from space heaters is the result of placing them too close to flammable objects. Avoid placing a unit near anything that can burn -- like a couch, curtains, table or papers – doing so increases the risks of fire and smoke damage by directly igniting those objects. It is also important to keep the space heater on a flat, stable surface.

2. Don't leave it unattended

Of course you want the heat going as long as the cold blows, but with space heaters that is a big risk, experts warn. If you can't pay attention to the space heater -- whether you're sleeping or leaving the room -- turn the heater off. The risk of fire and smoke damage increase exponentially when they are left unattended. Just as you wouldn’t leave a candle burning when you leave the room, the same rules apply to space heaters as well.

3. Keep out of reach of children and pets

Children and pets are naturally curious and should be kept away from space heaters. Keeping your heater elevated where children or pets can’t reach it will protect them against accidentally burning themselves or knocking it over, which can result in a fire and smoke damage. If elevation isn’t an option, consider placing a barrier around the heater that will obstruct access but allow plenty of ventilation.

4. Plug it directly into the outlet

Aside from direct contact with flammable objects, an often-overlooked risk of fire and smoke damage from space heaters occurs by using surge protectors and extension cords rather plugging directly into the wall. By plugging directly into the wall, you know that it's rated for the outlet. A surge protector may not be equipped to handle the power needed for the space heater and extension cords can overheat and even melt the wire insulation. In either scenario, a fire and smoke damage can result!

5. Make sure to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm

Even if you're as careful as possible, sometimes things can still go wrong. The first line of defense is maintaining working fire alarms. Even a small fire can cause smoke damage to your health and property. It is important to test both fire and carbon monoxide alarms every month to make sure they are working. Replace batteries annually, before they go bad. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it difficult for a person to detect a leak until it’s too late.

6. Look out for signs of malfunction

Most modern space heaters have safety functions that cause them to shut down when they aren't working properly, but older models don't work that way. Gas heaters should always have a clean blue flame. If the flame appears orange, stop using it immediately. If an electric heater has a thermostat but does not shut off once the desired temperature is reached, it may be malfunctioning as well.

Staying warm through the winter is important for safety as well as comfort, and for some people space heaters may be the best way to do that. Taking precautions and using them properly can add another layer of comfort, knowing that you are being as safe as possible. If you or someone you know suffers a loss due to fire and smoke damage, call American Restoration Solutions 24/7 for Emergency Mitigation.