'Make sure they're used safely.' Westport fire officials share space heater safety tips

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says space heaters are involved in over 1,000 home fires each year, and the National Fire Protection Association says they're a factor in nearly half of home heating-related fires.

Justin DeVellis

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Dec 21, 2024, 2:59 AM

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Updated 6 days ago

Fire officials are sharing the dangers associated with alternative ways to heat your home, as the weather gets colder.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says space heaters are involved in over 1,000 home fires each year, and the National Fire Protection Association says they're a factor in nearly half of home heating-related fires.

"Space heaters are great appliances, and they can provide a lot of comfort," Deputy Fire Marshal Jonathan Piper, of the Westport Fire Dept. says. "They just have a few rules to make sure they're used safely."

Space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall rather than a light-duty power strip, fire experts say.

They should have "tip-over protection," so if they get knocked down, they shut off. Space heaters should also be placed flat on level ground away from anything that can burn like furniture or clothes.

"The safest space heaters we’ve found are the ones that are the oil-filled radiator types," Piper says. "Any well-made contemporary space heaters generally are safe if used the way it’s designed."

Make sure your smoke detectors are working, fire experts say, and call 911 immediately if you suspect there's a fire in your home.

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