RMLD Offers Space Heater Safety Tips And Smoke, CO Alarm Reminders

READING, MA — With early Saturday morning temperatures expected to feel like minus 49 degrees, Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is reminding customers about space heater safety, in addition to reiterating the importance of having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are the leading cause of home fires, with an estimated 21,800 residential fires caused by space heaters each year.

That is why RMLD offers these safety tips:

• Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat and should not be used as a primary heat source.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, curtains, furniture, and rugs.
• Don't leave space heaters unattended and don't use them in rooms where children are unsupervised.
• Always turn off and unplug space heaters when they are not in use.
• Do not use space heaters with extension cords, plug them directly into an outlet.
• Only operate space heaters on the floor.

Richard Nelson, captain of fire prevention for the Reading Fire Department, said that whether homes have space heaters or not, it's essential that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are present and fully operational.

"While being proactive and eliminating fire hazards are your best lines of defense, it's critical that your home is equipped with working smoke alarms in case a fire occurs," Nelson said. "Additionally, the colder months also elevate the dangers of carbon monoxide due to heating equipment and a reduction in ventilation."

RMLD, which supplies power to Reading, Wilmington, North Reading, and Lynnfield Center, also offered tips to ensure the most effective use of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:

• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on each floor of the house, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
• Consider interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms which all sound when one alarm sounds.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each month and change the batteries every year.
• Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old and replace carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.