Space heater blamed for infant's death

As summer fades into fall, the cooler weather has already initiated the use of home heating equipment in some parts of the U.S. And as exemplified by a recent tragedy in Chicago, residents using these heat sources should exercise caution.

A two-month-old girl died last week from a fire initiated by a space heater that was apparently placed too close to a bed. According to the Chicago Tribune, the intense flames prevented firefighters from rescuing the infant from the apartment, which had nonworking smoke alarms. The girl's mother was burned in a rescue attempt, and the fire displaced 30 people, including 12 children, states the Tribune.

NFPA recommends keeping space heaters and other types of heating equipment at least three feet from anything that can burn. Download the heating safety tip sheet for other ideas on keeping your residence safe from fire. 

Comments

[upvc windows]

Space heaters are meant to be kept on hard, flat surfaces, especially during operation. These appliances should be kept high enough to keep them beyond the reach of young children and household pets.

[Brian]

If you're gonna use a space heater, use some common sense...there are heaters available that pose no fire risk...

[Plumbing]

A furnace gas valve is also known as a pilot gas valve. It is responsible for supplying the furnace's burners with flammable gas once they've heated up enough to allow for combustion, and it also shuts off the supply of gas when the burners go out to avoid a fire hazard. The furnace gas valve does not work alone. It relies on input from two devices, known as the thermostat and thermocouple. The thermostat is the control device which allows a user to govern the amount of gas reaching the burners, thus controlling the home's temperature. The thermocouple is a steel protective tube which contains two metal strips---normally iron and copper---which are welded together.

[Mithcel Schilling]

Space heaters are a great source of heat during winter to cut down on the heating bill. However, there are better types of space heaters now that will pose not threat of fire. Find out more at http://www.officialiheater.com/ this heater is amazing for the WHOLE HOUSE. And right now they are offering $10 off using the code "Blog" at checkout.

[Mike Cornelia]

I recommend getting a furnace installation done because a space heater can propose a major fire risk. It might cost a little more, but it is worth losing the risk.