Due to the frigid weather, home heaters are working harder than usual. This time of year, heating-related fires are the second most prevalent type of fire. As a reminder, make sure to give your heaters adequate distance and consider following these precautions to prevent home fires caused by heating.
- Give your heaters space. Do not put anything close to any type of heater.
- Never use an extension cord with a portable heater. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.
- Make sure your portable heater is tested by an independent testing laboratory and has an automatic shut off feature if it tips over.
- Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or before going to bed.
- Never permit any item to drape across heaters.
- Clean or replace furnace filters regularly.
- Inspect all heating equipment yearly and always hire an experienced electrician to do any necessary repair work on your baseboard heaters.