Top Tips for Space Heater Safety

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You won’t find many homeowners in our area blasting the heat to stay warm, but every once in a while the temperature dips low enough to warrant using a space heater. Before you plug yours in, know this: heating equipment is the second most common cause of house fires in the U.S.

To keep you and your family safe this winter, follow these tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI):

• Only buy space heaters that are listed by a trustworthy testing laboratory (check the label)
• Before use, read through the manufacturer’s instructions, and pay close attention to all warning labels
• Inspect your space heater for cracks, broken plugs and loose connections
• If you notice any frays or damage, don’t use the space heater
• Do not leave your space heater unattended
• Turn off your space heater if you’re leaving the room or going to bed
• Never use a space heater for warming your bed, cooking food, drying clothes or thawing pipes
• Make sure a smoke alarm is installed on every floor of your house, and be sure to test them monthly
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials
• Avoid placing space heaters in high-traffic areas
• Do not plug your space heater into an extension cord or power strip
• Position your space heater on a level, flat surface
• Never put a space heater on a piece of furniture or carpet
• Unplug your space heater and store somewhere safe when not in use

Adhering to these tips will help prevent tragedy this winter. If you require assistance from an electrical professional in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties, contact Jupiter-Tequesta Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric today.

Tequesta: (561) 747-5740
Palm Beach: (561) 626-6822
Martin: (772) 546-2822
St. Lucie: (772) 546-2822

For more tips on everything from home cooling to do-it-yourself plumbing, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube today.

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