Space Heater Safety: Preventing Fire Claims During Missouri Winters
Space heaters cause about 1,700 fires every year and account for 43% of home heating fire deaths. Most of these fires are completely preventable.
At The Resource Center, we understand why people use space heaters. Maybe your home’s heating system doesn’t quite reach that back bedroom, or you’re trying to save on heating costs. That’s fine. But you need to use them safely.
Why Space Heaters Are Risky
The main risks:
Getting too close to combustible materials like curtains, bedding, furniture, or papers. If a space heater is within three feet of anything that can burn, you’re asking for trouble.
Electrical problems. Space heaters pull a lot of current. If you plug one into an outlet that’s already serving other devices, or use an extension cord, you can overload the circuit and start a fire in your walls.
Tipping over. If a space heater tips over onto carpet or bedding, it can ignite it in seconds.
Malfunction. Like any electrical device, space heaters can malfunction.
Choosing a Safe Space Heater
If you’re going to use a space heater, invest in a good one. This is not the place to buy the cheapest thing at the store.
Look for these safety features:
- Automatic shut-off when tipped over
- Overheat protection
- Cool-to-touch exterior (critical if you have kids or pets)
- UL certification
- Sturdy, wide base
- Built-in thermostat
Oil-filled radiators are generally the safest option. The surface doesn’t get as hot as other types, and they’re harder to tip over.
Avoid:
- Older models without safety features
- Used heaters where you don’t know the history
- Any heater with an exposed heating coil
- Kerosene heaters for indoor use (serious carbon monoxide risk)
Using Space Heaters Safely
The Three-Foot Rule
Keep your space heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Curtains, bedding, furniture, papers, clothing, rugs.
If you can’t maintain three feet of clearance, you shouldn’t be using a space heater in that space.
Electrical Safety
Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord, and never use a power strip. Only run one space heater per outlet.
If your outlet feels warm, if you see any discoloration, or if lights flicker when the heater runs, stop using it immediately and call an electrician.
What You Should Never Do
- Leave it running when you’re not in the room
- Use it while you sleep
- Drape clothing over it to dry
- Use it with a damaged cord
- Block the air intake or exhaust
- Leave it running when you leave the house
Room-by-Room Guidelines
Bedrooms: Only while you’re awake and actively in the room. Never while sleeping.
Bathrooms: Only if it’s designed for damp locations and plugged into a GFCI outlet.
Kitchen: Just don’t. Too many flammable materials.
Living areas: Keep it away from foot traffic and three feet from everything.
What to Do in an Emergency
If your space heater starts smoking, sparking, or making weird noises:
- Unplug it immediately if you can do so safely
- Don’t use water on an electrical fire
- Use a Class C fire extinguisher if you have one
- Call 911 if the fire spreads at all
- Get everyone out if you have any doubt
Make sure everyone in your house knows how to use a fire extinguisher. But if a fire is bigger than a small wastebasket, get out and call 911.
Have working smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test them monthly.
Insurance Considerations
Yes, your homeowners insurance typically covers fire damage, including fires caused by space heaters. But if the insurance company determines you were using the space heater negligently, they might deny the claim.
Fire claims are serious. Even if your claim is covered, it will almost certainly affect your rates.
Here’s what we tell customers: The best insurance claim is the one you never have to file. Use space heaters safely, follow all the guidelines, and don’t take shortcuts.
Carbon Monoxide Risks
Only use electric space heaters indoors. Never use gas, propane, or kerosene heaters inside your home. These produce carbon monoxide, which kills people.
Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Put them on every level and near bedrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are space heaters really that dangerous if I’m careful?
A: When used properly, modern space heaters with good safety features are reasonably safe. The problem is that “used properly” requires constant vigilance. Most space heater fires happen because of just a momentary lapse.
Q: Can I use a space heater to save money on my heating bill?
A: Space heaters are expensive to run because they use a lot of electricity. If you’re trying to save money, you’re better off improving your insulation. That said, if you spend most of your time in one room, heating just that space can make sense. Just do it safely.
Q: Will my insurance cover a space heater fire?
A: Usually yes, but not always. If the fire department or insurance investigator determines you were using the heater in a clearly unsafe way, the company might try to deny the claim or reduce the payout.
Q: Can I leave my space heater on low when I go to bed?
A: No. We can’t say this strongly enough. Space heaters should never run while you’re sleeping. Adjust your central heat instead.
We’re Here for You
At The Resource Center, we’ve handled fire claims. We’ve sat with families after they’ve lost their homes. It’s heartbreaking, especially when it was preventable.
If you choose to use space heaters, use them correctly every single time. No exceptions.
If you have questions about your homeowners coverage, give us a call at 417-882-1800. We’ll review your policy with you and make sure you understand what’s covered.
Stay warm, stay safe, and if you use a space heater, please use it responsibly.
