7 Helpful Tips In Avoiding Fire Damage Caused By Portable Electric Heaters In Bronzeville

1/26/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage from your portable electric heater can be devastating.

Fire Damage And Portable Electric Heaters

You settle yourselves in for the night, lights-out and all is well. At 1 a.m. you are roused by the smell of smoke. While making your way to safety, you gather your family. Glancing back, you notice the flames coming from where you usually keep your electric heater. Thinking that your home in Bronzeville is immune to fire damage can cost you dearly. Take it from professionals that deal with these kinds of situations on a near daily basis; every home is susceptible to these kinds of situations, you will be happier taking the proper precautions to protect your family.

Electric heaters offer homeowners a portable, efficient, inexpensive way to heat specific areas, without requiring any added maintenance. However, SERVPRO receives quite a few calls every year from homes that have received fire damage due to the improper use of portable electric heaters. At SERVPRO, we would like to offer some helpful hints for those of you who own and operate these types of heaters:

1.) Only purchase heaters that are properly tested and certified for safety. Search for heaters with unique features, such as automatic shutoff when the unit becomes unlevel, timed shutoff, or specific heat setting adjustments.

2.) Read any warning labels and the manufacturer's instruction booklet carefully before you use your heater.

3.) Always inspect your heater for damages before use each year. Loose connections, cracked casing, and broken or frayed cords are red flags. Do not use the heater if these or other hazards exist.

4.) Turn your heater off or unplug it when leaving the room or going to sleep. Taking the time to store your heater properly when you are away for extended periods.

5.) Keep a close eye on the proper placement of your space heater. You should maintain at least three feet of space between the unit and anything that can catch fire.

6.) Never place a heater in high traffic areas, or in any location where children or pets often play, both can trip and tip over the heater, without realizing the hazard they just created.

7.) Always plug your heater into a wall socket directly. Extension cords or power strips can overheat and cause a fire. If you cannot find a unit with a long enough cord, several professional electricians can assist you with installing a longer one safely.

In most of the cases, we experience at SERVPRO; our clients neglect to place their heater on a smooth solid surface. Remember, heat rises; you will want it close to the floor to get the most efficient use out of it. If your home has full wall-to-wall carpeting, stop by a local hardware store and purchase a flat, stable, fire resistant base big enough to set your heater on when in use. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park - E. Bridgeport - Bronzeville today, for more helpful tips (312) 509-5000.