There are close to 45,000 home electrical fires each year. Most occur between midnight and 8:00 a.m. and peak months are November – March. Three out of five home electrical fires involve lighting equipment or home electrical wiring. Ways to avoid electrical fires include: plug only one heat-producing appliance directly into a wall outlet at a time and never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance. Heat-producing appliances include coffee makers, space heaters and microwaves.
There are additional ways to prevent portable space heater fires. Place them on a solid, flat surface and keep them a minimum of three feet from anything that can burn. Always check your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and plugs.
Learn more about fire prevention from the U.S. Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention.