Expert advises staying safe when using heaters

With the recent record cold wave in the Keys, one item became extremely hard to find at area stores: portable space heaters.

Lucia Moc, manager of Family Dollar in Tavernier, told The Reporter her store has not had heaters in stock for several days.

"We still get about 10 to 15 calls a day asking if we have them," she said. "We do sell them, but we haven't had any in our store for more than a week now."

The Islamorada Fire Department advises using extreme caution and common sense when running space heaters and other devices.

Capt. Geo Toth said the first step is to make sure a heater is in good condition.

"Make sure they are new, or at least in good shape. The heating elements have to be in decent working order. Make sure the heater isn't making any strange sounds. People will sometimes pack their heaters away when they're not being used and they will put things on top of the heaters, so when you get them out, be sure the protective grills are not bent or damaged," Toth said.

"The cords must be in good shape. Another thing to remember is you don't want to overload a circuit by putting several heaters on one plug. You shouldn't use an extension cord for a heater, but if you have to, make sure it's a good, thick one, heavier than the cord that's on the heater itself."

Reading the user manual and all the safety information it contains can also prevent tragedy. Once you're sure the heater is up to par, placement is another safety factor. Toth recommends not placing the heater very close to your bed or other furnishings.

"The radiant heat is going to go from the heater to whatever is close by, and eventually could get hot enough to set a comforter on fire," he said. "Also, be sure the heater is on a solid, stable surface and is in a place where it won't be knocked over or bumped into by your children or pets. Those things get pretty hot and can cause a nasty burn if they're touched."

Check your detectors

"This is also an ideal time to check your smoke detectors. It is suggested that smoke detectors be checked twice a year," Toth said. "But when you pull out these fire-making devices it's smart to check those detectors again, just to be sure."

The Islamorada Fire Department has smoke detectors available free to residents. Proof of residency such as a utility bill or other documentation is required.

Toth also says care should be used when turning on a seldom-used furnace or fireplace. Dust or other combustibles can build up in the system, then ignite when the heat comes on.

Along with fire safety, Toth says to be careful about ventilation and not using improper heating devices indoors.

"Don't use the cooking stove or the oven for heating. Use only approved heating devices," he said. "Certainly never use a charcoal grill indoors. Carbon monoxide will build up and then you're in trouble even if you don't cause a fire." Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that can't be seen or smelled.

A final piece of advice is to use heating devices in moderation.

"If one heater will do the job, don't hook up two or three," Toth said. "Use what you really need, but don't overdo it. That's the safest way."

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