Space Heater Safety

Published Dec. 18, 2017
Dover Air Force Base Fire Department

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- It is definitely wintertime here in Delaware. With the temperatures dropping, before you reach for a space heater to stay warm, The Dover AFB Fire Department wants you to think of safety first.

Recently there was a fire off base involving the use of a space heater. To help reduce the risk of this happening on base or in your home, the Dover AFB Fire Department would like to share the following safety guidelines:

∙ Keep a 3-foot clearance around the heater in all directions.

∙ Use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved space heaters equipped with automatic shut-off devices that will shut off if it falls over, as well as additional safety features including a overheat protection device and an automatic thermostat control.

∙ Ensure heaters are placed on a level surface and are only plugged in while in use.

∙ Never leave them unattended.

∙ Heaters should be plugged directly into the wall, not a surge protector.

∙ The manufacturer’s guidelines should be read and followed for additional safety precautions pertaining to specific heaters.

If you have any questions or concerns please call the Fire Prevention Office at (302) 677-4408 and always remember to make sure all the smoke detectors and fire alarms in your house work.

Stay warm, stay safe.