Fire captain urges space heater safety

Capt. Phil Rickabaugh

It’s National Fire Prevention Week, and the Missouri Division of Fire Safety — along with Capt. Phil Rickabaugh, supervisor of the Maryville Public Safety fire division — is urging citizens to take care when it comes to using portable space heaters.

Rickabaugh said it’s important for consumers to do some research before buying a space heater and plugging it in for the first time.

“The number one thing when it comes to space heaters is making sure they’re in good working order before you use them as the weather cools down,” Rickabaugh said. “Always look for a heater that’s good quality and has been tested. There are always recalls on (some) heaters, but people can go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website to learn more.”

In February 2015, seven Missourians died within five days in fires caused by supplemental heating devices. In addition, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters cause 25,000 fires and 300 deaths nationwide each year.

“Space heaters are dangerous and potentially deadly if they aren’t used properly,” said acting Sate Fire Marshal Greg Carrell, “and many Missourians do not understand the dangers these devices pose when they aren’t used properly.

“If you choose to use an electric or propane space heater or some other supplemental heating device, it’s absolutely essential that you follow the necessary precautions, especially around children and at night. … This is a matter of life and death.”

This year’s National Fire Prevention Week theme is “Hear the beep where you sleep: every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm.”

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire safety officials say, are essential devices for all homes, and especially in residences were space heaters are in use.

Rickabaugh and Carrell also offered the following fall fire-safety tips:

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters and furnaces. This includes furniture, drapes, and decorations.

• Enforce a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Turn off portable heaters whenever leaving the room or going to bed.

• Do not overload extension cords or outlets. Many extension cords and power strips are not designed to handle electric heaters. Never place an electrical cord under a rug.

• Never use an oven or other cooking device to heat your home.

• Make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly.

For more safety information about safely using space heater, go to: dfs.dps.mo.gov/safetytips/space-heater-safety.php.