USING A SPACE HEATER
 

The Pierce Township Fire Department recommends that space heaters are used only with serious consideration. If possible don’t use them.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission more than 25,000 house fires occur every year from space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires and another 6,000 are treated for burn injuries resulting from the hot surfaces of the space heater.

If you must use a space heater consider the type.

• Convection heaters move air across a heating element.
• Radiant heaters have glowing coils and reflectors to create heat. Radiant heaters are often less expensive and generally not built well. This often results in mistakes during use causing fires and burns.

The greatest cause of fires from space heaters is placing the heater too close to objects that can catch fire.

• Always read instructions
• Keep at least three feet distance between the heater and any other object.
• Never allow children to play near or around the space heater.
• Never leave the heater on at night when you go to bed or when no one is home.
• Always place a heater on a level surface.

Remember to use space heaters with caution and practice fire safety and prevention with your family.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
• Test your smoke alarm battery each month and change it twice a year.
• Plan a family fire escape plan and practice it monthly.

 Lasco Products-Product Recall

For more information contact the Pierce Township Fire Department at 513-752-6273.