With recent cold spells and a lot of winter still ahead, the East Meadow Fire Department is reminding the community how to stay safe when operating electric space heaters.
According to a release from the department, many residents may choose to supplement their central heating systems with portable electric space heaters. While these devices are generally safe when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and instructions, fire experts remind users that heating is the second-leading cause of home fires and the third-leading cause of home fire deaths in the U.S. Two-in-five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric heaters.
The East Meadow Fire District’s board of commissioners cautions residents and businesses using electric space heaters to follow important safety tips and recommendations, including: purchase a heater with a seal from a qualified testing laboratory; keep the heater at least three-feet from anything that can burn, including people; choose a heater that includes a thermostat and overheat protection; place the heater on a solid, flat surface, not on rugs or carpets; make sure the heater has a auto-shutoff feature that turns it off if it tips over; keep the space heater our of foot-traffic paths and never block an exit; keep children away from the space heater; plug the heater directly into the wall outlet and never use an extension cord; space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, leave the house, or go to bed; and test your home’s smoke alarms at least once a month.
“Our number one priority is the safety of the community we serve,” Commissioner Philip Fertitta said. “By following the important safety tips noted above when using a portable electric heater, you can help keep your family safe and prevent most heating fires from happening.”
To report a fire or medical emergency, call the East Meadow Fire Department dispatcher directly at (516) 542-0576.
The East Meadow Fire District covers over 7.5 square miles and includes East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury. The department has 220 volunteers that respond to fires, medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents from five stations throughout the community, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year. The East Meadow Fire Department is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary.
Volunteering provides valuable skills, training and opportunities for personal growth. Benefits include tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit EastMeadowFD.com or call (516) 542-4565.
