Avoid home heating fires

By Bill Streb Owner, Streb Electric

As we officially move into the deep freeze this month, we see customers pulling out all the stops to stay comfy.

Since half of all home heating fires happen during the months of December, January and February, let’s touch on ways to avoid them.

While space heaters can provide welcome warmth in chilly rooms or drafty homes, they can also pose a safety risk. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, they are responsible for more than 1,700 house fires each year.

First of all, these units are designed to be plugged into the wall, never into an extension cord or plug strip, where they may overheat.

If your space heater seems ancient, it’s probably not safe. The good news is the new models are super-efficient and great looking, with many units resembling fireplaces or cabinets.

These units, as well as electric baseboard heaters, are meant to have air flow circulating around them. Don’t hang draperies near them, place them right next to furniture or pile things on top of them.

Electric blankets also can come with risks.

Make sure yours are in good shape. If buying a new one, it should be UL-, CSA- or ETL-tested. Don’t buy one from a retailer you don’t trust.

Blankets should sit loosely on top of you, never tucked underneath you. Also, don’t put other comforters on top of a heated blanket or allow pets to sleep on them as that could cause them to overheat.

Let us know if you need help with safety issues or would like an annual safety inspection. From my family and staff to you and yours, here’s to a blessed holiday season.

Streb Electric is headquartered in Eastlake. For the past 40 years, the family-operated service company has earned a reputation for making sure homes are safe and free from electrical hazards. Call 440-953-5819 or visit StrebElectric.com for more information.