With Central Texas Cold Weather Here In Earnest, Space Heater Safety Is Critical

AUSTIN, TX — As an Arctic front descends upon Central Texas with accompanying sub-freezing temperatures in the 20s, many residents will undoubtedly reach for space heaters they've kept in storage. But in so doing, it's important to exercise safety.

Heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in the United States, with more than 65,000 home fires attributed to heating equipment each year, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Tragically, these fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage annually, according to the ESFI, a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, according to its website.

Making matters worse, we in Central Texas are unaccustomed to freezing temperatures that occur but sporadically each winter. This lack of familiarity may lead some to retrieve their space heaters at the first sign of cold weather without consideration to safety and proper use.

Such was the case in South Austin just a week before Christmas, when a space heater placed too close to combustible objects was blamed for igniting a house in the morning hours. The fire in the 2600 block of Ware Road caused heavy damage and displaced its three residents.

But properly used, space heaters can provide relief from the cold and transform a chilly room into a cozy nook of comfort. Still, it's important to exercise safety, particularly this weekend as temperatures are forecast to dip into the low 20s.

Following are key tips from ESFI designed to avert disaster:

• Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
• Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
• Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
• Always unplug and safely store the heater when not in use.

>>> Photo credit Borislav Bonev via WikiMedia Commons