When Old Man Winter arrives, many homes rely on space heaters to keep warm rather than dialing up the thermostat a few degrees. While space heaters can be a cost-effective way to warm up a room, they also pose a fire hazard if not used properly.
1. Make Sure Your Family Is Safe
The majority of home fires begin in the kitchen, although heating equipment is a close second. Fireplaces are often blamed, however the National Fire Protection Association reports that space heaters are the real killers in home fires.
Each year, space heaters account for 44% of the 52,000 fires ignited by heating equipment in homes, with fireplaces coming in at #2 with 32%. Not that you should get rid of your space heater, but you should be cautious when using it.
Here are 12 things you shouldn’t do with a space heater to ensure the safety of your house and loved ones.
