Anyone who relies on a space heater, fireplace or wood-burning stove to stay warm during cold weather ought to be aware of the risks involved and how to keep those fires where they belong.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety provides advice on steps homeowners can take to avoid home fires this fall and winter.
“While space heaters, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can help consumers reduce energy bills during the colder months, it is critical that they be used properly,” Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO, said in a statement.
Heating fires account for 36 percent of all residential home fires in rural areas every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The majority of residential heating fires (87 percent) are started by a confined fire, such as from a chimney or fuel burner, according to the USFA.
The IBHS suggests taking the following precautions to stay safe:
Fireplace
• Look for products that have been tested by Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Buy a model with an automatic shutoff feature and heat element guards.
• Maintain a 36-inch clearance between the heater and combustible materials, such as bedding, furniture, wall coverings or other flammable items.
• Do not leave a space heater unattended.
• Electric heaters should be inspected prior to use.
• Check the cord for fraying, cracking and look for broken wires or signs of overheating in the device.
• Use only heavy-duty extension cords marked with a No. 14 gauge or larger wire.
• If the heater plug has a grounding prong, use only a grounding (three- wire) extension cord.
• Never run the heater cord (or any cord) under rugs or carpeting.
• Liquid-fueled heaters must be operated using only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel.
• Allow the heater to cool down prior to refueling.
Space Heaters
These appliances can be an affordable option for heating a small space, but they also are the leading source of house fires during winter months. Follow these guidelines when using space heaters:
• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring for frayed wires or cords.
• Promptly replace any cords that are frayed or damaged.
• Avoid overloading an outlet.
• Replace any electrical tool that causes even a small electrical shock, overheats, shorts out, or emits smoke or sparks.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters.
• Don’t allow children to play near electrical appliances.
• Additional details can be found in IBHS’ Alternative Heating Sources guide.
Electrical Fires
According to the USFA, electrical home fires in the U.S. claim the lives of 280 people and injure 1,000 more each year, while home electrical problems account for $1 billion in property losses every year. Use the following information to reduce the risk of an electrical fire:
• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring for frayed wires or cords.
• Promptly replace any cords that are frayed or damaged.
• Avoid overloading an outlet.
• Replace any electrical tool that causes even a small electrical shock, overheats, shorts out, or emits smoke or sparks.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters.
• Don’t allow children to play near electrical appliances.
