Many residents are looking for ways to keep their home warm during these very cold temperatures, and some may turn to space heaters as a solution.
A reminder from the Moncton Fire Department about how to use them properly.
Fire Prevention Officer Steve Richardson says they are not meant to be used as a main heat source, “There’s not necessarily anything wrong with a space heater if it is used properly, but people use too many of them, they overload circuits, and they go away and leave them running. Something like this needs to be in the room with you, and keep an eye on it while you are using it. Don’t leave it running an go to sleep or go to another part of the house.”
Richardson says you should also ensure that nothing is blocking the heater while it is running, “Something could fall against it, if you’re not watching it. If you have a pet around something could get knocked over and land on it, that’s why it’s important to be around and keep an eye on it. Make sure the cord and outlet is not warm, that could indicate that something is overheating.”