As harsh winter weather brings dangerously low temperatures across much of the United States, many people will turn to space heaters for warmth, which unfortunately increases the danger of fires in homes.

Using space heaters can be more economical than heating the entire house, as they allow you to focus on warming specific areas. According to Consumer Reports, it typically costs about $2 to run a space heater for eight hours.

However, while they offer additional heat, space heaters also come with considerable risks. Recently, incidents have been reported where homeowners in Virginia and Oklahoma were forced to evacuate their homes because of fires started by space heaters.

Moreover, several space heaters available on Amazon were recalled last week due to risks of electrical shocks that could escalate into fire hazards, as stated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Is there a reason to be concerned about space heater fires?

Definitely. Heating devices are among the primary sources of home fires. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that more than 65,000 residential fires happen each year due to heating equipment, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property losses. These incidents often occur during specific times:

• During winter. About 46% occur from December to February.
• At night. Fires that start between midnight and 6 a.m. generally have slower response times from those in the home.

Why does winter heighten the risk of home fires?

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, the chances of home fires increase with the use of space heaters, chimney fires, candles, and Christmas trees, all of which are most frequently used during the winter months of December, January, and February.

Ways to prevent space heater fires

Experts advise that space heaters should never be left unattended. Always turn them off when leaving a room or going to bed. Additionally, keep children and pets at a safe distance from the heater, as per guidelines from the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

What safety features should I look for?

When shopping for a portable space heater, Consumer Reports suggests looking for the following safety features:

• A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug: This feature helps to protect against electrical shocks, especially if the heater will be used near water.
• Robust power cord: Make sure the heater is equipped with a long and sturdy cord.
• Automatic shutoff features: Opt for heaters that come with a tip-over switch or an overheating sensor that automatically powers down the unit for enhanced safety.

CONTRIBUTING Sarah Moore, YSL News NETWORK and George Petras, YSL News

SOURCE: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumer Reports, National Fire Protection Association, and YSL News research.