Space Heater Safety
Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage.
Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.
Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside:
• 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 it is not in use.
Source: www.esfi.org
Portable Generator Safety: Do’s and Don’ts
Here are a few important Do’s and Don’ts when using portable generators to ensure safety and proper functioning:
Do’s:
- Do: Read the Manual
- Always read the generator’s owner manual thoroughly to understand its operation, safety features, and maintenance instructions.
- Do: Use the Generator Outdoors
- Operate your portable generator in an open, well-ventilated area away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Do: Use a Transfer Switch for Home Use
- If connecting to your home’s electrical system, use a licensed electrician to install a transfer switch. This ensures that the generator is safely connected to your home’s electrical panel.
- Do: Ground the Generator Properly
- Make sure the generator is grounded according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent electrical shocks or fire hazards.
- Do: Check Fuel Levels Regularly
- Always keep an eye on fuel levels and ensure the generator is refueled before it runs dry to avoid engine damage.
- Do: Turn Off Before Refueling
- Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling to avoid fuel spills and potential fire hazards.
- Do: Inspect the Generator Before Use
- Regularly inspect the generator for any signs of wear, damage, or blockages, especially the air filter and exhaust system.
- Do: Use the Right Extension Cords
- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords to prevent electrical accidents. Make sure they are rated for the generator’s power output.
Don’ts:
- Don’t: Operate Indoors or in an Enclosed Space
- Never run a generator inside a garage, basement, or any enclosed area, even if doors and windows are open. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely high.
- Don’t: Overload the Generator
- Don’t exceed the rated wattage of your generator. Running it above its capacity can damage the unit or pose a fire hazard.
- Don’t: Use Wet Hands or Operate in Wet Conditions
- Avoid using a generator in wet conditions or with wet hands to reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Don’t: Leave the Generator Unattended
- Never leave your generator running unattended, especially around children or pets, as it could be a safety risk.
- Don’t: Block Airflow
- Avoid blocking the generator’s ventilation or exhaust ports, as it can cause overheating and potentially damage the engine.
- Don’t: Use Damaged Cords or Outlets
- Never use frayed or damaged cords or extension cords, and ensure all connections are secure before starting the generator.
- Don’t: Refuel While Running
- Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot. Always let it cool down before adding fuel to prevent fire hazards.
- Don’t: Ignore Maintenance
- Skipping regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter cleaning, and spark plug inspections, can lead to poor performance and costly repairs.
By following these simple Do’s and Don’ts, you can keep your portable generator operating safely and efficiently!