By RYAN SKAITH
Winter is here and that means residents are bundling up and staying warm anyway they can. Two popular ways of warming up during the season are the use of space heaters and electric blankets. However, anytime electricty is used there are potential risks, such as fires.
The Consumer Product Saftey Commission reports space heaters cause more than 20,000 house fires each year.
Spokesperson for Evergy, Courtney Lewis, has some tips to help keep yourself safe.
Lewis says double-checking the directions is a good idea. “Make sure oyu review any instructions your space heater comes with. Make sure the cords are still good, anything cracked or frayed is not worth the risk. Throw it away.”
Lewis recommends placing space heaters on flat surfaces and never plug them into a power strip. “Always plug your space heater into a wall outlet as they draw a lot of load. Do not use extension cords to power your space heater.”
Space heaters must meet specific safety requirements and Lewis says always make sure space heaters are UL approved. That means the product has been tested and meets the requirements.
As for electric blankets, Lewis says they are a great way to stay warm, but never fold them when not in use. “If you fold them, you’re folding the wires inside. They could fray and overheat which could cause a fire.”
In addtition, “Don’t use electric blankets or heating pads while you’re sleeping. Have one with a timer, and put them away when not in use.”
Other recommended tips for space heater and electric blanket safety include: keeping heaters at least 3 feet from other items, especially blankets and curtains, do not leave them running unattended, and only use space heaters that are the proper size for the room in order to avoid wasting energy or overheating a room.
