It’s been a frigid week here in Philly, with temperatures well into the teens and wind chills reaching record lows. With the colder temperatures often comes an increase in portable home heater use, such as electric space heaters, kerosene heaters and other hot air devices. The Philadelphia Fire Department states that “most fires involving portable heaters are caused by improper use, improper fueling or improper maintenance of the heater.” So we have a few tips below, courtesy of the Philadelphia Fire Department, to keep you warm, toasty and safe this winter.
- Keep portable heaters away from combustibles. The heater should be at least 36 inches away from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets, and people.
- Space heaters should never be left operating when someone is not in the room or when occupants are sleep.
- If the unit is an electric heater, check it each season for fraying or splitting wires.
- Do not use an extension cord to supply power to a portable electric heater.
- Never block an exit with a portable heater.
- Children and pets should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use.
- When refueling a portable kerosene heater, always turn off the heater, let it cool down, use a fuel gauge to prevent overfilling, and fill the tank outdoors.
- Store kerosene away from heat and open flame in a cool area in a closed, approved container clearly marked with the name of the fuel.
- Anytime you introduce a source of heat, such as a portable heater, into your living space you increase your risk of fire. This increased risk requires additional responsibility. If you decide to use a portable heater, take the proper precautions; and, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and maintenance.
Note: The Philadelphia Fire Code permits the use of portable kerosene heaters only in one -and two-family dwellings. The Code does not permit the use of portable propane heaters indoors.
For more winter saftey tips visit the Philadelphia Fire Department website.
