Michigan’s winter is no walk in the park, and we’re still in
the middle of it. As we face the cold weather, many of us will use space
heaters and other heating methods, to heat our homes and workplaces. While
these space heaters are a great way to warm up a space quickly, they can also
pose a significant danger. Many problems can arise from using one. The most
common problems are:
-
Burns
Heating coils on space heaters are extremely hot, which is what allows for warming of the space around the unit. If animals or humans get too close to these coils, they can burn. Overheating units can also burn your flooring or other items that are nearby.
Heating coils on space heaters are extremely hot, which is what allows for warming of the space around the unit. If animals or humans get too close to these coils, they can burn. Overheating units can also burn your flooring or other items that are nearby.
-
Fires
All heaters pose a fire hazard, no matter what safety features they possess. Overheating happens quite often, both in the heaters themselves and in cords used to power these space heaters. Space heaters cause approximately half of all home-heating fires during the winter.
All heaters pose a fire hazard, no matter what safety features they possess. Overheating happens quite often, both in the heaters themselves and in cords used to power these space heaters. Space heaters cause approximately half of all home-heating fires during the winter.
-
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Space heaters that use fuel as a power source, as opposed to electricity, can give off carbon monoxide, which will poison those around them if not properly maintained. Carbon monoxide detectors should be used wherever fuel heaters are being used. These warning detectors are relatively inexpensive and can save your life.
Space heaters that use fuel as a power source, as opposed to electricity, can give off carbon monoxide, which will poison those around them if not properly maintained. Carbon monoxide detectors should be used wherever fuel heaters are being used. These warning detectors are relatively inexpensive and can save your life.
Some tips for helping to prevent these dangerous threats
are:
-
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet
away from any heating equipment. Children should also be at least three feet
away from open fires and space heaters.
-
Remember to turn portable heaters off when
leaving the room or going to bed.
-
Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by
the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
-
If using a fireplace, make sure there is a
sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool
before putting them in a metal container.
-
Test smoke alarms monthly.
-
Space heaters should be directly plugged into a
wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat
and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same
outlet as the heater.
-
Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces.
Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can
overheat and start a fire.
-
Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or
loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn, or damaged, do not use the
heater.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
