In Eugene, Oregon, when the weather gets colder and staying warm becomes a challenge, space heaters can be a great solution. Convenient and portable, they’re a popular choice for heating homes and businesses during the chilly months. However, they can also pose fire hazards if not used carefully. Learn how to safely use space heaters from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore, and keep your home or business safe this winter.
Prevent Space Heater Fires at Home
A 2021 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that home heating equipment was responsible for over 48,500 home fires annually between 2014 and 2018, leading to an estimated 500 deaths, 1,350 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property damage. During winter, many people use furnaces, light fires, and rely on space heaters, creating more opportunities for accidents. Space heaters are especially risky—the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that they cause 21,800 residential fires and 300 deaths each year.
To prevent space heater fires at home, follow these important safety tips:
- Never leave space heaters unattended: Always turn off and unplug them when not in use.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items like furniture, blankets, and wastebaskets.
- Avoid enclosed spaces: Don’t place space heaters under desks or in other enclosed areas.
- Plug directly into the wall: Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, never a surge protector.
- Choose safe models: Purchase space heaters with automatic shutoff features to prevent overheating.
Space Heater Safety in the Workplace
For business owners in Eugene, it's important to keep employees comfortable during the colder months, but space heaters in workplaces can also pose risks. They’re commonly used in offices, warehouses, and other work environments. Establishing a clear policy on space heater safety is essential for ensuring everyone’s safety on the job. Incorporate the residential best practices above into your workplace safety guidelines and consider these additional tips:
- Require approval: Employees should get approval before using a space heater in their workspace.
- Position safely: Ensure that heaters and cords are placed out of high-traffic areas to avoid tripping hazards.
- Turn off at day's end: Encourage employees to turn off space heaters at the end of the workday.
- Set safety standards: Establish minimum standards for space heaters, including safety features and certifications from independent testing agencies.
Stay Safe This Winter
Whether at home or work, space heaters provide an efficient way to stay warm in Eugene’s chilly winter months. By following these simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire and protect your home or business from potential damage.
If an accident does occur, the fire restoration experts at ServiceMaster of Eugene are available 24/7/365 to help you recover and return to normal as quickly as possible. Call us at 541-687-0900