Deadly fire in New York reminder of potential danger of space heaters
Officials in New York City say a fire that swept through an apartment building in the Bronx on Sunday and left 17 people dead was caused by a malfunctioning space heater.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder that the small portable heaters can be convenient, but, when used improperly, can also be extremely dangerous.
Newer models come with added safety features, but they’re still responsible for about one-third of all home fires according to Consumer Reports, which is why they should never be used unattended.
“We run a series of safety tests to identify heaters that may pose a burn risk. The safest space heaters shut off automatically if they become too hot or if they're knocked over," said Paul Hope with Consumer Reports.
Because space heaters are only used a few months a year, you could have one that is 10 or 20 years old, but older space heaters won't have the latest safety features like an automatic shut off function and alarm if they get too hot or tip over.
When choosing a space heater it also depends on the job you want it to do.
“You need to consider if you just want to warm yourself up or are you trying to heat the entire room. Our tests have found not all models do both well,” said Hope.
When it comes to space heater safety, always keep space heaters one metre away from anything flammable. You should never use an extension cord and always plug the heater directly into a wall outlet and never leave space heaters operating unattended.
According to tests by Consumer Reports, a convection heater with a fan can heat a small space quickly and efficiently and they’re recommended for workshops and offices.
An oil filled radiator heater is quiet, but can take much longer to heat rooms and is best for living and bedrooms. Radiant heaters produce heat instantly, but have limited range and are best for workshops and garages.
Baseboard heaters are quiet and are able to heat large spaces such as basements and family rooms.
Now is a good time to make sure your smoke detectors are working properly and if you don’t have one consider getting fire extinguishers for your home.
Fire officials say the best ones to have are multi-purpose that can extinguish different types of fires.
"Generally in a home you want to have the most common type of fire extinguisher that will put out the three most common type of fires which are trash, wood and paper, liquids and electrical fires," said Alider Pratts, a fire and safety expert.
Pratt advises that you should make sure the fire extinguisher is fully charged and take a moment to read the instructions so you'll know how to use it if you have to.
As for space heaters, while they can help warm up a cold room, even the best ones can only do so much.
If you're using one in a bedroom as well as keeping it away from drapes and bedding, it should always be shut off before you go to sleep.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.