Space Heater Safety
Monday, November 10th, 2008The heating season is upon us again, and with fuel prices continuing to climb, many households turn to space heaters to keep the temperature tolerable without breaking the bank. However, space heaters require more attention and responsibility to operate than a furnace or boiler. It is estimated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that space heaters are associated with more than 25,000 residential fires every year. These fires result in more than 300 deaths. Additionally, approximately 6,000 people receive emergency room care for burn injuries associated with contacting the hot surfaces of space heaters, mostly in non-fire situations.
Different models of space heaters burn different fuels, including wood, kerosene, and gas. Each have their own safety rules, including the most popular model of space heater: electric.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these general guidelines for space heater use: (more…)
