Portable Heater Safety

Now that cold weather has arrived, the use of portable and fixed space heaters increases, along with the risk of structural fires. Although safety standards and features, such as automatic cutoff devices, have been added to portable heaters over the years, the misuse of these devices can lead to property loss, injury and death.

According to National Fire Protection Association statistics from 2016 to 2020, portable and fixed space heaters contributed to more than one-third of all home-heating fires in the United States and over 90 percent of all fire deaths. The leading cause of most space heater fires was the ignition of combustible materials that were too close to the heater.

Most safety professionals and fire officials recommend simply avoiding the use of portable heaters in homes and offices. However, if they are used, here are some recommendations to help reduce the risk of fire:

• All heaters should be Underwriters Listed (UL) or Factory Mutual approved for their intended use.
• Heaters should have a thermostat to automatically shut down the unit when the desired temperature is achieved.
• Heaters should have automatic safety switches that turn off the unit if it is tipped over accidentally.
• Heaters should be kept at least three feet (36 inches) from all combustible materials (e.g., file cabinets, desks, trash cans, curtains, walls, furniture, paper boxes, etc.).
• Do NOT place heaters under desks or other enclosed areas.
• Heaters should be monitored when in operation and unplugged at the end of the workday.
• Plug the heater directly into a wall receptacle. Never plug it into an extension cord or power strip.
• Do NOT plug too many heaters into the same circuit. Doing so could cause a circuit overload.
• Do NOT use heaters in rooms that will not be continually monitored and occupied.
• Keep space heaters away from exit ways, walkways and paths of travel.
• Do NOT use space heaters in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
• Do NOT use portable space heaters if small children are expected in the area. 

Remember, the cheapest claim is the one that never occurs. Be safe this winter.