Keeping the house warm during the winter can be a challenge. Homeowners sometimes turn to space heaters to help keep their houses warm and cozy. However, there are certain things homeowners need to be aware of when using space heaters.
Space heaters can pose fire risks. During winter months, space heaters are a top cause of house fires. These fires can do extensive property damage and expose homeowners and their families to significant injures.
When using a space heater to fight the cold, fire prevention is very important. Here are some steps homeowners can take:
- When buying a space heater, pay attention to its safety features such as thermostatic controls and automatic shutoff
- Read the owner’s manual and follow all safety and operation instructions
- Place the heater in a location where it is not at risk of tipping over
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet rather than using extension cords or power strips
- Do not put any object closer than three feet to the heater
- Always turn the heater off before going to bed
It is also important to keep an eye on whether or not your space heater has had any recalls issued for it. Defective heaters can carry additional fire risks that traditional prevention steps might not be able to prevent.
When design or manufacturing defects in a space heater or other products cause home fires, product liability claims can provide homeowners and their families with a path to injury compensation. Having skilled legal guidance when pursuing these claims is helpful when addressing the complexities of such cases and protecting one’s rights.
If you have been injured due to product liability, please contact our attorneys for assistance.
