BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – While space heaters have their perks, they can also be dangerous if used improperly.
Experts say home heating is one of the leading causes of house fires in the country, with the Red Cross adding these devices cause one-third of the fires, as well as most deaths and injuries, linked to heating equipment.
The Red Cross of Alabama urges people to check the cords of their space heaters to make sure it is not frayed.
People should never plug it into an extension cord, because there is a lot of wattage involved. Instead, they should place the heater near an outlet.
Experts want to urge and warn people to never leave space heaters unattended.
“Do not leave it on when you go to sleep,” said Annette Rowland with the Red Cross of Alabama. “Make sure that you turn it off and that it’s on a level, hard surface that’s not close to anything that’s flammable. That could be curtains, that could be rugs, carpets, sofas, anything that can be flammable upholstery. You want to make that you keep it at least three feet away.”
The Red Cross tells people to keep kids and pets away from the devices.
If someone is interested in purchasing a new space heater, the Red Cross recommends a unit that will automatically turn off if knocked over.
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