Risks Associated with Alternative Heat Sources

As the days get colder, many of us will choose to turn on portable heaters or other heat sources in order to keep warm. But with many alternative heat sources come their own hazards. Read on for more information about the possible dangers of using these appliances.

Electric blankets and cushions

Electric blankets and cushions use a relatively low amount of power, but can still present fire hazards. Never buy second-hand electric blankets or cushions and check your own for scorch marks or other damage such as frayed fabric or exposed wires. If you find any damage, you should replace your blanket immediately.

Always unplug your blanket before getting into bed and keep pets away as they can nibble or chew on the wires. Refrain from using a hot water bottle when you are also using an electric blanket (even if the blanket is switched off) as electricity and water can be a disastrous combination.

Electric or oil heaters

Electric or oil heaters can be a great way to heat small areas or single rooms rather than switching on the heating for the whole house, but they come with their own set of risks.

Fan heaters should be plugged directly into the mains (not into an extension cord) and kept well away from other items. Never leave them unattended while in operation. Make sure they are set down on a flat surface so they are less likely to fall over, and never cover the fan heater with fabric or any other material as it may catch fire.

Keep your heater clean and dust-free to reduce the risk of fire, and keep it away from water or other liquids as this may damage it. Always check for physical damage before use such as fraying wires or broken bulbs.

Extension leads

Many fan heaters are not safe to plug into extension leads, due to the amount of heat they produce. However, if you are using an extension lead for other appliances, make sure you do not “daisy-chain” your leads, even if the cords are too short to use by themselves. Instead, purchase a lead that has the correct length of cord. “Daisy-chaining” can lead to the cords overheating and cause a serious fire hazard.

It is also important to keep extension leads out of the way of areas that get a lot of foot traffic, as they can pose a trip hazard. Consider taping them down to stop them moving about (use appropriate tape for this) and coiling up any spare length of cord. It’s also important to check your extension lead for any physical damage, such as fraying cord (especially important if you have pets that may chew on the wires).