Things to avoid when using space heaters

The Boone County Fire Protection District recommends people keep space heaters three feet away from combustibles, which is anything that can catch fire.

Battalion Chief Gale Blomenkamp said most space heaters have a limiting switch on them, but there are still some space heaters on the market that do not have the feature.

“If you’ve bought a space heater in the last 10 years it probably has a limiting switch on it,” said Blomenkamp.

He said when you leave a room, turn the space heater off. They are not meant to be used for heating the home, but used for comfort heat.

“Typically, what we see in the cause of fires when it comes to space heaters are people putting them too close to combustibles,” said Blomenkamp.

Things like beds, curtains and pillows are some examples of what not to get too close to a space heater.

“That’s why it’s importing to have those limiting switches. So, if something does fall off and knocks it over it will shut itself down,” said Blomenkamp.

He said if people aren’t sure if their space heater is UL listed they can tip it over themselves to see if it shuts off.

Ameren also recommends not to use extension cords because they can overheat when used with a space heater.