Space Heater Fires
Home heating equipment is among the top causes of fires and CO poisonings. From 2003 through 2005, there was an annual average of 57,300 fires and 270 deaths associated with portable heaters, central heating systems, and fireplaces and chimneys. There were also about 68 deaths, on average, from carbon monoxide poisoning each year associated with these products.
The CPSC has recent put together a couple of recommendations that they urge consumers to do. Such as:
– Schedule a professional inspection each year of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.
– Take precautions when using space heaters, fireplaces or other heating sources to help stay warm during the winter months.
– Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in the home and check the batteries are fresh and working.
Many people in today’s economy have been using the energy efficient space heaters verses the traditional home furnace to cut down on cost. But you should never sacrifice safety in order to save money.