I briefly talked about the various ways to heat up your home in my Holiday Fire Safety Tips post. However, Mother Nature continues to bring down temperatures at the Jersey Shore. Many people try all sorts of ways to stay warm. Sometimes, that may involve a space heater. But users must be vigilant in their usage of these appliances. They can quickly turn coziness into torment if precautions aren’t taken. Keep these space heater safety tips in mind to ensure you and your family stay warm and secure all winter long.
Space Heater Safety Tips for Your New Jersey Home
First, read the instructions included inside your space heater’s packaging. Pay particular attention to the safety instructions. Plug your heater directly into the wall socket. Using an extension cord or power strip may cause problems. Keep all heaters at least three feet away from all flammable materials (blankets, curtains, rugs, etc.). Avoid placing heaters in high-traffic areas (especially for kids and pets) as they may pose a tripping hazard. Always make sure heaters are set up on an even, level surface so that they stay stable. Before you leave your home or go to bed, turn all heaters off. For extra safety, unplug them just to be sure. If a space heater or its cord feel hot to the touch, it might be time to replace them.
Other Ways to Keep the Cold Out
Use a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature inside from plummeting too far even when you leave your home. Keep furniture and rugs away from heating vents. Make sure they stay open to allow the maximum amount of heat through. If you see daylight coming through your front door, cold can get in. Add a door stopper/kick plate. Check windows for broken/cracked caulking. Replace old/missing caulking to create a good seal. Warm air rises. So, in the winter, make sure your ceiling fans run counter-clockwise to help keep warm weather at seating level. Add insulation where needed.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate