Space heater safety tips to avoid fires

By Karen Killen, EMT; Whitecourt Fire Department/Fire Prevention
Here in the Whitecourt area, we have been flirting with the idea that spring is coming! January set warm temperature records and this winter has been a roller coaster for weather trends. I know in the warm spells, I have turned down my furnace and have even shut it off for the day. When I start to feel a bit “cool,” I’ve turned to my handy little space heater. Here are some tips for keeping warm and safe with space heaters.
• Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating element. This will help keep children, pets, and clothing away from the heat source.
• When selecting a space heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been determined to meet specific space heater safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat.
• Show everyone in your home how to use the space heater properly.
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unvented fuel burning (kerosene or natural gas) space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant buildup and promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for proper combustion.
• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the area.
• Be aware that mobile homes require specially designated heating equipment. Only electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used.
For fuel-fired heaters, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could accumulate, or unmonitored burning could cause a fire. Be sure you have carbon monoxide detector(s) and smoke detectors that are in good working condition.
Why install smoke/carbon monoxide detectors?
• They are proven to save lives.
• They provide early warning of smoke/gases/fire danger(s).
• Without detectors, your chances of dying in a home fire or from carbon monoxide poisoning double!
• They are the cheapest protection device you can buy.
A few simple rules to follow with your detector(s) are:
• Check batteries once a month.
• Replace the batteries every six months… when you change your clocks, change your detector batteries.
• Make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every level of your home.
• Replace the detector if it’s more than 10 years old.
Detectors save lives but only if they work! Fire prevention is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe!