Thursday, September 29, 2011

Space Heaters Kill People - Yes, Even Here in Sunny Miami


Already it's begun: today's Miami Herald is reporting thatfive kids died in an overnight fire caused by a space heater. Seems that their mother, we have to assume with the best of intentions in caring for her family, set up a space heater to combat the cold snap that hit their home over in Citra. Sometime during the night, a fire started and while the mother survived, her five children ranging in age from 15 to 6 all perished in the blaze.

It Does Get Cold Enough for Space Heaters in South Florida
Most of the country watches TV shows like CSI:Miami and assumes that we're all here in sunny, balmy bliss every month of the year. That's why the snowbirds and vacationers flock to our Miami beaches, right? Well, it's a nice promotional spin but it's not true.

It can get really chilly here in South Florida, and for lots of folks that means running to WalMart or HomeDepot and grabbing a space heater or two for the house. (We've even been known to have runs on stores during cold snaps, these heaters can be so popular.)

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reports that they generally have a significant increase in fire calls when a cold front hits our area -- and that most of these calls are asking fire trucks to rush to homes (including apartment buildings, condos, etc.) where a fire has started. And, every year there are tragic news stories where people die in these fires -- just like today's sad story out of Citra.

Safety Tips Regarding Space Heaters Here in Miami Beach and South Florida
Using portable heaters in your home is not a bad idea in and of itself: but only if Florida space heater buyers are aware of how dangerous space heaters can be. The Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Safety Tips (for more, check out their informative site) suggest the following regarding space heaters:
  1. Choose electric space heaters and use only those that are UL approved. Look for models that include safety features such as an automatic shut-off when tipped over.
  2. Avoid the use of extension cords with space heaters, but if you must use one, make sure it is the proper size and length. Never run cords under rugs or carpets.
  3. Keep your heater at least three feet away from furniture, curtains and other flammable items.
  4. Install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries regularly.
  5. Never use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices indoors, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide.
  6. Make sure all equipment is clean and dust free.
  7. Keep a close eye on children and pets whenever a space heater is being used.
  8. Always turn off heaters when leaving home.
Defective Products - Space Heaters Recall
Space heaters are just like any other product. They can be defective from the moment you bring them home. What's a defective product? Some products are manufactured with a flaw so that all units sold are defective. Other products are generally fine but there is the occasional unit that has a defect.

Since space heaters can be dangerous, it's important to check online to insure that the particular model you're using hasn't been subject to recall. Don't assume that because it's a reputable name (like Holmes, who had a big space heater recall recently) that your heater is safe. Make sure. This is especially true if you're using a portable heater that someone gave you, that you bought at a yard sale, or that you got for a bargain on eBay.

Be careful out there, Miami.

By Bryant Esquenazi on November 9, 2010 11:25 AM

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