By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As we prepare to deal with overnight lows in the 30s over the weekend, that means some people will use means other than the heater that comes with the home to stay warm.
"This time of year, people come up with sometimes novel ways of heating their home," said Hutchinson Fire Marshal Tony Arpin. "We just want to make sure everybody does it safely. You know, the space heaters are a big thing. Every year, we have two or three fires because of space heaters. Last year, it was unbearably cold at some point and we had, I think half a dozen, maybe seven fires because of space heaters. You always want to make sure those space heaters remain at least three feet away from anything combustible around them. If it's colder, use more blankets. Do not move that space heater closer to your bed. Keep it three feet away from everything."
Also make sure it's plugged in where it's safe.
"Don't put that space heater on an extension cord," Arpin said. "Those space heaters draw so much energy. If an extension cord isn't rated for the correct ampacity, you could actually overload the extension cord and that can cause a fire, as well."
Turn off the space heater when you head to bed.
"Don't leave that space heater on when you're sleeping or when you're not home, especially," Arpin said. "That's a recipe for failure right there. If nobody's home to watch it. You don't know if it's sitting too close. Things could start smoking and the next thing you know, they're on fire. They will combust. Just be very, very careful with those space heaters."
Often, it is actually more efficient cost-wise to use the heater in your home at a higher temperature if necessary, as long as that home is properly insulated.