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4 Tips to Avoid a Space Heater Fire in Your Home
10/24/2022 (Permalink)
The fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO can help you recover from a space heater fire!
Space heaters are one of the leading causes of house fires during winter.
The professionals at SERVPRO of Athens receive many calls every winter season regarding fire damage to homes and businesses. One of the leading causes of this fire damage in winter is space heaters. That is because space heaters have become popular to stay warm as temperatures drop.
We have put together this blog post today to provide some space heater safety tips that help prevent space heater fires in your home or office. We want to help you avoid fire damage this winter!
What is a space heater?
A space heater is a device used to heat a single space or room, not the entire building. Space heaters are portable and usually powered by electricity, natural gas, propane, or kerosene. The most important thing to remember about space heaters is to use them safely. You can quickly start a space heater fire if you aren't careful.
How do space heater fires start?
Before we get into the safe use of space heaters, let's talk about how space heater fires start. The three primary ways space heater fires start are:
- Unattended space heaters
- Placing space heaters too close to flammable objects
- Faulty space heaters causing electrical fires
Four safety tips to help you avoid space heater fires
Now that we've looked at how space heater fires start let's discuss some safety tips to help prevent space heater fires. Here are four space heater safety tips:
1) Keep space heaters away from flammable objects.
The first safety tip is to keep space heaters away from flammable objects. Everyday flammable objects include furniture, clothing, bedding, curtains, towels, and anything else that can easily catch fire.
2) Never leave space heaters unattended.
The second space heater safety tip is never to leave space heaters unattended. If you have to leave the room for any reason, turn off the space heater and unplug it before you go.
3) Don't use space heaters with extension cords.
The third safety tip is never to use space heaters with extension cords. Space heaters are designed to be plugged directly into an outlet. If you have no choice but to use an extension cord, choose one that is heavy-duty and rated for the space heater's wattage.
4) Inspect space heaters regularly.
The fourth space heater safety tip is to inspect space heaters regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, frayed cords, or loose plugs. If you find any damage, do not use the space heater and dispose of it properly.
What to do if you have a space heater fire?
When a space heater fire breaks out on your property, you must contact the fire department immediately. Once the fire has been put out, you will want a reliable fire restoration company to help with the cleanup and restoration process. The right company will be able to:
- Remove all smoke and soot residue
- Clean and deodorize all surfaces
- Restore any damaged items
SERVPRO of Athens—the go-to company for fire restoration services
If you're looking for a reliable fire restoration company after a space heater fire, then SERVPRO of Athens is a perfect choice. We have years of experience in the fire restoration industry, and we know how to get the job done right. We'll remove all the smoke and soot residues from your property, clean and deodorize all surfaces, and restore damaged items.
All our professionals have undergone training from the IICRC, and we are certified in fire restoration. We're also experienced in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard cleanup.
SERVPRO of Athens is here to help when you need reliable fire restoration services. Contact us today for an estimate!