Heaters are the second leading cause of fires in residential buildings. As would be expected, most heating-related fires occur during the colder months when heaters get turned on and the use of portable heaters and fireplaces increase. Fires caused by furniture, bedding, and other materials placed too close to baseboard heaters and portable heaters are the most common types of heating-related residential fires.
Safety Precautions for Residents
• Give your heaters space. Do not put anything close to any type of heater.
• Never use an extension cord with a portable heater. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.
• Make sure your portable heater is tested by an independent testing laboratory and has an automatic shut off feature if it tips over.
• Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or before going to bed.
• Never permit any item to drape across heaters.
• Clean or replace furnace filters regularly.
• Inspect all heating equipment yearly and always hire an experienced electrician to do any necessary repair work on your baseboard heaters.
Read more Heating Fire Safety information