Cold front is coming. Take precautions when using portable heaters
A portable heater can make a room feel nice and toasty, but it can also cause serious burns, or much worse, if not used with utmost precaution.
Even the date that a unit was manufactured is important, according to the state Division of Consumer Affairs. Heaters that were made before 1984 are a serious no-no, experts warn, because they do not have certain safety valves called oxygen-depletion sensors.
"Look for the label that tells you your space heater has this device," the state urged in a consumer brief on the topic.
On Sunday, a space heater was believed to have started the fire that killed 17 people in a high-rise inferno in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx.
It was said to be the worst fire disaster in New York City in at least 30 years.
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Authorities have already said the space heater malfunctioned, and federal regulators vowed to take action Monday if the investigation reveals that it really was defective.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 25,000 residential fires are associated with use of a space heater each year.
Those fires result in more than 300 deaths and 6,000 people needing emergency care for burns.
Consumers should ensure their new heaters come with automatic "off" switches, in case they fall over. And the models that they buy should be certified by a recognized laboratory.
A heater should never be left running overnight. Draperies and furniture should be kept away from the unit — even one with a grille can become hot enough to start a fire.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Electric space heater safety tips to prevent fires, other hazards
