This is the time of year when people use electric space heaters to help heat their homes. Fire officials says electric space heaters are safe, but only if you use them properly. South Haven Area Emergency Services Chief Ron Wise has some thoughts on safe space heater usage.
“If you’re not in the room, don’t leave a space heater running by itself,” Wise said. “Most of the fires we have, the main reason why space heaters cause fires is they’re too close to combustibles. That’s furniture, that’s clothing, that’s storage items. Three feet clear all around it is the best way to stop it from starting [a fire].”
Not plugging in a space heater into extension cords or power strips will also cut down on the risk of a fire.
