Dr. Eboni Green
January 13, 2023
As temperatures get colder, keeping your loved ones warm is essential. With that, many choose to heat their homes with space heaters. You may prefer using a space heater because you can choose which areas of your home to heat, possibly lowering electric bills. However, you should pay attention to these three dangers of using space heaters this winter, especially if you’re a caregiver.
If you choose to use a space heater in your home or the home of someone you care for, make sure it’s electric. Unvented gas space heaters are only intended for use outdoors and can cause severe health problems, including death, if used incorrectly.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common in winter, largely because of gas space heaters. When these machines burn fuel to produce warmth, they don’t have anywhere to safely dispose of the combustion fumes, meaning those toxic gases go right back into the air. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that can easily lead to tragedy.
While electric space heaters are safer than gas heaters, they’re still quite dangerous. If you care for anyone with mobility issues, or for someone who might not be able to comprehend the danger of a space heater, you need to be cautious. Space heaters tip over easily, and they can cause fires when they overheat. Make sure you use them only when you can be nearby to monitor use.
Another danger of using a space heater this winter is the possibility of getting burned. Most space heaters have some kind of protective grate that keeps you from touching the coils, but even the grate can get too hot to touch. Never let a person under your care sit too close to a space heater since they could easily burn themselves.
Space heaters are dangerous for many reasons, and caregivers need to keep an eye on them at all times. Children and adults with mobility issues could knock them over, while people with cognitive disorders may not realize the danger of getting too close. Remember these three factors so you can focus on keeping your loved ones safe and warm this winter.
