Space Heater Safety An Important Concern Over Winter Months
By: Kristin Anderson
Updated: November 14, 2012
After the cause of a recent Abilene house fire turned out to be a space heater, specialists at Lowes are reminding people that heaters can be a fire hazard.
Specialists remind everyone that they are dangerous because they are so exposed, so to make sure they are away from piles of clothes, curtins and furniture.
Also, space heaters should be kept secure as it is easy for many to be knocked over, causing fires.
However, the most commonly overlooked safety measure is that people often forget to clean their heating systems.
"The most important thing, the most neglected thing that people don't typically do is have their heating and cooling system cleaned and checked once a year, to make sure it's not got a lot of dust build up and things like that," emphasizes Lowes sepcialist Jody Hedden. "Lint, things like that, built up in it. Because those are things that, if left unchecked, can cause fires. ">>
Another common mistake is that people buy heaters that are too large for the room they will be heating.
Specialists remind everyone that they are dangerous because they are so exposed, so to make sure they are away from piles of clothes, curtins and furniture.
Also, space heaters should be kept secure as it is easy for many to be knocked over, causing fires.
However, the most commonly overlooked safety measure is that people often forget to clean their heating systems.
"The most important thing, the most neglected thing that people don't typically do is have their heating and cooling system cleaned and checked once a year, to make sure it's not got a lot of dust build up and things like that," emphasizes Lowes sepcialist Jody Hedden. "Lint, things like that, built up in it. Because those are things that, if left unchecked, can cause fires. ">>
Another common mistake is that people buy heaters that are too large for the room they will be heating.
