In the fall and winter, the residential use of space heaters increases as the temperature decreases.  A significant percentage of house fires that occur during cold weather are caused by or related to space heaters.  Although they can be efficient, many come with hazards.  Some run off electricity, while others run off of fuels like oil or kerosene.  They may be convection or radiant.  Convection heaters can heat large areas and are installed with a blower or fan.  Radiant heaters are generally used in smaller areas and even under desks.  House fires can be caused by misuse of space heaters or by design or manufacturing defects.  In order to protect your family and your home, follow the recommendations set forth below.

1. DO NOT USE SPACE HEATERS AS THE ONLY MEANS TO HEAT YOUR HOME.  -  Space heaters are not intended to be used as a substitute for your furnace, whether your furnace is a natural gas, oil or electric furnace.  The proper use of an electric space heater is to add heat to a room in which adult residents are present.
2. DO NOT ALLOW SMALL CHILDREN TO GO NEAR A SPACE HEATER. – Babies and toddlers tend to crawl and walk toward space heaters because they are attracted to be glowing elements.  Due to the tenderness of their skin, small children are more likely than adults to sustain second and third degree burns to their faces.
3. DO NOT LEAVE A SPACE HEATER UNATTENDED WHILE IT IS TURNED ON OR PLUGGED IN.  -  Many house fires caused by space heaters occur after the person who plugged it in and turned it on leaves the room for an extended period of time or falls asleep.
4. DO NOT PLACE THE SPACE HEATER CLOSE TO FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.  -  Space heater fires often occur when items such as rugs, curtains, blankets and clothes are too close to the space heater.  Most space heaters should not be within three feet of anything that can burn.  The directions included with the space heater should give specific instructions on how and where to properly place the space heater.
5. AVOID USING EXTENSION CORDS.  -  Most electric space heaters have warning labels instructing the user not to use extension cords.  If an extension cord is needed, it must be relatively new, in good condition and be rated by the Underwriters Laboratory at 16-gauge wire or thicker.  Many house fires resulting from the use of a space heater occur when the extension cord ignites carpet, rugs or wood flooring.
6. DO NOT USE KEROSENE OR OIL-BASED SPACE HEATERS INSIDE YOUR HOME.  -  Every year, deaths and catastrophic injuries result from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by kerosene or oil-based heaters that are placed inside homes, garages and other enclosed structures.

Over the years, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled dozens of heaters, both electric and oil-filled.  One heater recall was as recent as July of this year. 

Due to these tough economic times, there are many people having difficulty paying their heating bills. When their natural gas is disconnected or they run out of fuel oil, residents often use electric space heaters as the sole source for heating their home.  BECAUSE THE RISK IS EXTREME, financially strained residents should contact the utility company before the source of their heating is disconnected. Most communities have local and state agencies, as well as charitable organizations, that can provide assistance.

In Indiana, state law prohibits electric or gas utilities from terminating residential service from December 1st through March 15th for persons who qualify for the State Heating Assistance Program.  Many states have similar statutes to protect their citizens.  Unfortunately, many indigent people are unaware that assistance programs are available. To avoid the potentially tragic events that may occur with the use or misuse of space heaters, please share this information with your family, friends and neighbors.

– Tom Hastings is an attorney with the Hastings Law Firm in Indianapolis, Indiana.