(Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Stay Warm and Safe

Safety tips on space heaters, block heaters, and cords

Jan 16, 2020 | 8:55 AM

Space heaters are at a premium during the cold snaps we face each winter.

But they can be a fire risk if not used or maintained properly.

Melfort Fire Chief Shaun Stewart told northeastNOW an important factor in ensuring safe use of space heaters is making sure you have the right size of heater for the space.

“If you have too small a heater, it’s just going to be running and running and running, and too big a heater, well it’s just to draw on your power bill,” Stewart said.

He recommended choosing a heater with the right safety features.

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“Tip over and overheat protection are your two biggest things that you want to look for,” Stewart said.

Heaters should also have gone through testing at recognized testing laboratories, and labelling should be on the heater to ensure it is a good, safe product.

The placement of the space heater is also important, according to Stewart. The unit should be on a non-combustible surface if possible, and it shouldn’t be on a shelf or table top where it could fall over.

Regular maintenance is also a key for your space heater to stay running smoothly, and without complications.

“Unplug it, let it cool down, vacuum out the back because it is going to draw dust in through there, and that can also spark fires,” Stewart said.

If your space heater starts to smoke, Stewart said the best thing to do is get to the breaker box and shut the breaker off. You can then use a normal fire extinguisher on the heater so the situation is under control.

Space heaters should also never be left unattended.

Block heaters

Many people plug in their vehicles during this cold weather so they will start in the morning.

But block heater cords, block heaters, and the extension cords used to plug them in can also cause issues that lead to fires.

Stewart said it’s a good idea to check them all before winter, and have the mechanic take a look as well.

“Your block heater itself can get corroded from all the salt and stuff that’s on the roads here, so that alone can cause electrical arcing,” Stewart said. “Cracked extension cords or block heater cords…can also cause electrical arcing that can quickly spread [into] a vehicle fire.”

Stewart said you can help by not driving over your cords to prevent cracking or shattering, and unplug them by the ends instead of just pulling on the cords. If you sense problems with your block heater cord, get a mechanic to check it out.

He recommended using a block heater timer, which will avoid heating the block heater throughout the night. Stewart said it also saves money on your power bill.

Spending a little more money to purchase an outdoor extension cord is also advised. Block heaters should also be plugged into its own circuit

And…wheat bags?

A potential fire hazard that most of us wouldn’t think about is the wheat bag you put in the microwave. The bags are often used to warm you up or keep your back or other muscles loose.

However, Stewart said they can overheat and start a fire.

“[A wheat bag] is supposed to feel moist after you have it in the microwave, and if it’s not moist and it’s just dry, then it’s time to look at replacing the wheat that’s inside,” Stewart said.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974