As the mercury drops some of you will likely break out portable heaters to warm things up; but be careful even small heaters can cause big damage. The U.S. Consumer product safety commission says space heaters cause more than 25,000 house fires a year.
Even though flurries might not be falling in the Midlands, folks are still looking for ways to take the chill out of the frigid weather; which makes space heaters a hot commodity.
Columbia Deputy fire chief Aubry Jenkins has some advice tonight to keep you safe. "Always plug space heater directly into outlet." Plus, he says remember that space heaters need space. "Do not put them close to any kind of combustible material," says Jenkins.
Some other tips Jenkins suggests:
-Choose a model with a guard around the heating coil or flame
-Only use a heater that has been certified by a nationally recognized testing lab
-Buy one that's the right size for the room you're heating
-Keep children and pets away from heaters
-Never leave a space heater turned on when you go to sleep
"The best way to heat your house up is to get extra blankets and try to maintain heat," says Jenkins. When you do turn them on, Jenkins says make sure heaters are at least three-feet away from any objects... especially things that can easily catch fire like drapes, bedding and furniture.
He also reminds you to have working smoke detectors in your home .. and have an escape route planned in advance. He also suggests having a carbon monoxide detector; because some space heaters can produce deadly amounts of that odorless gas.
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