Some Space Heater Safety Tips You Must Know

Posted on: Jan 7, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Some Space Heater Safety Tips You Must Know

Space heaters can be really useful to give you a warm and comfortable time during the winters. Undoubtedly, they are very useful appliances and a lot of people invest in them. However, they can create serious fire hazards, if appropriate safety precautions are not taken while using them.

Here is how you can handle your space heater so as to avoid any unfortunate events

Avoid flammable objects

You will be shocked to know how many of the everyday-use household items lying around your home are flammable.

● Hand sanitizers are one of the most commonly used substances in today’s day and age. But they are extremely flammable and can easily catch fire, if they are left near a space heater.

● The same goes for nail polishes and nail polish removers which contain a highly flammable solvent. Hence make sure to never place your heater near your dressing table.

● All sorts of aerosols contain hydrocarbons that are highly flammable. They can catch fire if sprayed near a heater. This includes body sprays, mosquito repellants, cockroach repellants and even cosmetic products.

● Plastic containers are something that we all use a lot on a day-to-day basis. These plastic containers are also likely to catch fire if exposed to the strong heat of your space heater.

● Naphthalene is another compound that is extremely flammable. A lot of people use naphthalene balls or mothballs to keep pests and moths away from their wardrobes. Hence, it is always a good idea to check whether anyplace close to your space heater has naphthalene balls.

● Snacks like potato chips and cheese puffs should also be kept at a safe distance from your space heater.

Never leave a heater unattended

The worst thing to do with a space heater is to leave it switched on in a room without people. In such situations, you have no control over what comes in contact with your heater. This can lead to fire accidents that quickly spiral out of your control.

Even while sleeping, you must not leave your space heater on. There are chances that fabric in your room gets into the heater and catches fire. Or, a flammable object might catch fire while you sleep. For this very reason, make sure to turn on your heater an hour before you go to sleep. This way your room will be warm and you don’t have to risk anything.

Place it in a safe space

Always place your space heater on a steady and flat surface where it has the least chances of being tipped over. Avoid keeping it in walking passages where you might have to make contact with the heater. Some sophisticated space heaters are even equipped with a safety switch that automatically switches off the heater if it gets knocked over. Always check the safety measures of your eater before buying one.

Additionally, also make sure that the heater is not placed somewhere where it can come in contact with kids. If children put their hands anywhere near and inside the heater, that would result in severe burns.

Plug the heater directly into an outlet

Space heaters are powerful appliances that consume a considerable amount of electricity. Plugging them into an extension cord can potentially cause a short circuit and fire in the house. To avoid this, always plug your heater directly into a wall outlet.

Conclusion

During the cold winters, space heaters bring you much-needed warmth. However, a little carelessness and there can be irreparable damages. This is why you must handle appliances like a space heater with great care. But no amount of precautions can totally eliminate the chances of damage. This is why you should always be prepared with a home insurance plan.

HDFC ERGO has different home insurance plans that you can check for. For a specific amount of premium that you pay, the insurance company will provide coverage against any losses or damages to your house and the appliances in your house. You can also choose from a plethora of add-on coverages if you’re not happy with your base plan. With an easy application process and minimum documents requirement, HDFC ERGO can help you secure your house with the ideal home insurance policy.

Disclaimer:The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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