Take care with space heaters

With temperatures sinking, the Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross is cautioning people to be careful how they add more heat to their homes.

“There is usually an increase in home fires at this time of year because of the use of candles and space heaters,” said Tina Labellarte Price, Heartland CEO.

“Pretty consistently, from year to year during the cold-weather months, we see an increase in single-family fires and also apartment fires,” she said. “Because people will go to great lengths to try to use alternate heat sources, particularly when the economy is tough. I think we’re seeing that more and more, people are trying to turn that thermostat down and find other ways to heat their homes.”

The Red Cross offers several tips to reduce the risk of starting a fire in their home:

* Give your heater space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves.

“People think a space heater is small, and therefore harmless,” Price said. “It’s important to note that even the smallest space heater needs space around it.”

* Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing.

* Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.

* Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces unattended. Turn them off before leaving or going to bed.

* Keep fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

“There are other ways for people to cut down on the heating bills -- making sure their heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture, turning down the thermostat, eliminating drafts, all those basic things,” Price added.

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