As many of you are aware, Langlois Insurance Agency is located in a beautiful 1897 Victorian in New Lenox, IL. We love this building and all of the character & charm that comes with it. What we don’t love, is the insulation. During the frigid midwestern winters, it gets cooooold in here! So, we do rely on space heaters throughout the building.
I am aware that many of my customers also use space heaters throughout their homes in order to combat the cold. So, I wanted to share with you a few Space Heater Safety Tips to avoid any fires and/or injuries from occurring.
Space Heater Safety Tips
1) Did you know that space heaters should have certification labels on them? This ensures that they were tested in a laboratory for safety. According to Consumer Reports, “Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark, the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from CSA International.”
2) Read the instructions and warning labels prior to using a space heater. In addition, you should choose a space heater that automatically shuts off when it overheats.
3) Choose a space heater with a tip-over switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over. And, remember, place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. Space heaters are intended to sit on the floor, and never on a table.
4) Do not use a space heater that has a frayed or damaged electrical cord. In addition, space heaters should not be plugged into an extension cord. Instead, they should be plugged into a wall outlet.
5) Never leave a space heater running when no one is in the room. Unplug space heaters that are not being utilized.
6) Turn off the space heater when leaving the house or going to sleep.
7) Remember that space heaters should only be used temporarily.
8) Do not put items or materials within three feet of a space heater. It is a good idea to establish a 3-foot kid & pet-free zone around the heater. We also recommend to never put a space heater in a child’s room.
9) And, perhaps the most important tip — if you do decide to use space heaters, make certain that you have installed working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and test them monthly.
As always, if you have any questions about this blog, or any of your insurance needs, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at #815-485-2106. We always love to hear from our customers!
Warmest Regards,
