Safety advisory regarding indoor heating devices
08 January 2015
Media Contact(s)
Sheila Lagacé or Anne Bull, media relations, 506-453-3030.
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Public Safety reminds the public to use caution when using portable heaters and other indoor heating devices.
The department issued safety precautions after several recent house fires in the province following the extreme cold weather.
“Fires resulting from the misuse of space heaters can ruin properties or take lives,” said New Brunswick Fire Marshal Douglas Browne. “Three fires over the Christmas break are suspected to have been caused by the misuse of space heaters.”
Browne reminded the public of the following key precautions for using portable heaters and indoor heating devices:
• Keep them away from any combustible materials.
Make sure that any combustible materials, including bed linens, curtains and toys, are at least one metre away from heaters.
• Never leave them unattended.
Make sure to unplug heaters rather than simply turning off the switch when leaving the room or home.
• Do not overload circuits.
Avoid using extension cords, tampering with three-prong plugs, plugging multiple appliances into the same circuit, keeping heaters on high or running for extensive periods of time.
Several fires in recent weeks have been caused by the improper use of indoor heating devices. The proper use of these devices helps to protect lives and avoid serious damage to homes.
“With the recent cold snap, the use of indoor heating devices has increased throughout the province,” said Browne. “The misuse of space heaters causes about 50 fires every year in New Brunswick and many more across the country.”
For additional precautions for heating your home, see Heating your Home Safely.