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Electric
Space Heater Safety
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THE STATISTICS
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1994,
electric space heaters were associated
with 2,400 fires resulting 80 deaths, 240
injuries and $48.2 million in property
loss.
THE PROBLEM
Even though electric space heaters don't
have an open flame, the heating elements
of some types of electric heaters are hot
enough to ignite nearby combustibles like
draperies, paper, clothing, furniture, and
flammable liquids. It is, therefore,
important to check surrounding objects
periodically to see if they feel hot.
Refer to the manufacturer's instructions
to see how far the heater should be placed
from combustible materials, and for how
far the heater should be placed from the
floor so that carpeting or flooring
materials don't ignite.
Additionally, to prevent electrocutions,
always keep portable electric heaters away
from water, never use them in a bathroom
or near a sink. (If you must use an
appliance near water, always use a ground
fault circuit interrupter).
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SAFETY TIPS
The AFD recommends the following when
selecting an electric heater:
- Look for one that is listed with a
nationally-recognized testing
laboratory. These heaters have been
tested to meet specific safety
standards, and manufacturers are
required to provide important use and
care information to the consumer. On
heaters that are not listed, consumers
have less assurance that the safety
features and operating instructions
are adequate.
- Purchase a heater with a guard
around the heating element. A wire
grill or other protection is essential
to keep fingers or fabrics from
touching the hot element. Portable
electric heaters that heat by
circulating oil or water, however,
usually have lower surface
temperatures and may not need guards.
- Before using the heater, read and
follow the instructions for its
operation and maintenance.
- If you must use an extension cord,
make sure it is a heavy duty cord
marked with a # 14 gauge or larger
wire An incorrectly-sized cord may
create a fire hazard. If the heater's
plug has a grounding prong, use only a
grounding (three-wire) extension cord.
- Never run the heater's cord (or any
cord) under rugs or carpeting.
- Do not leave the heater operating
unat-tended or operating while
sleeping. Portable electric air
heaters are designed for use only as
temporary supplemental heating and
only while attended.
- To prevent electrical shocks and
electrocutions, always keep portable
electric heaters away from water and
never touch an electric heater if you
are wet.
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SAFETY TIPS
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Do not use an electric heater as a dryer
by placing clothing over it and never use it
heater to thaw pipes.
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Keep the heater in safe working condition
Replace missing guards and controls at once.
Never operate a defective heater.
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Don't place the heater where children
might play near it or where people might trip
over or bump into it.
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Place the heater on a level surface for
stability.
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Regardless of the type of heating system
you have, install and maintain at least one
smoke detector that is in good working
condition on each floor of your home.
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Click Here
for
Current Texas
Burn Bans
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Fire Department
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are not currently being accepted.
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Application information
will be posted here.
If you are interested in becoming a Firefighter with Abilene Fire
Department the current preliminary
requirements can
be found
here.
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When was the
last time you tested your smoke detectors ?
Your Abilene
Fire Department reminds you to test your detectors MONTHLY!
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FIREWATCH
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during the
5:00 pm Newscast
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