Summer is officially over, which means we can now begin to get ready for the chillier months. Although Houston is known for its warm climate, there is a possibility for colder conditions to happen! As the weather drops, people may be tempted to use space heaters to stay warm at home. They may even decide to use them in their workplace to combat the already well-known issue of office spaces being too cold. And though space heaters may seem like a simple solution to your temperature woes, it’s important to bear in mind the fire risks that go along wi
th them. Otherwise, you may just hear your Houston fire alarms going off in the near future.
Did you know?
Space heaters may seem harmless, but they actually account for one-third of all fires. This risk is largest during the winter months, making now the perfect time to gather some useful safety tips so you need not worry about your commercial location.
So what can you do?
Simple steps to avoid upping the risk of an unwanted fire emergency in your business can include:
- Avoid placing your space heater in areas of high traffic, such as a part of your office where there are often a lot of people walking.
- Avoid putting flammable materials anywhere near your space heater while it is running.
- Remember to turn your space heater off and unplug it after every use.
- Only selecting space heaters that have been tested and approved. Most pre-approved space heaters will have an automatic shut off feature if the unit has reached an unsafe temperature.
- Never put your space heater anywhere near liquids, especially liquids that are flammable.
- Avoid plugging space heaters into overcrowded power strips. Instead, plug your space heater unit directly into an outlet if it is available to you.
- Do your research prior to purchasing a space heater. Make sure you choose a reputable model and select a space heater that is properly sized for your needs and office space.
Emergencies happen. That’s why it’s so important to have up-to-date Houston fire suppression systems and Houston fire sprinklers equipped in your office. But you can always minimize those risks by educating yourself and your employees on how to avoid unnecessary fire hazards.
If you’d like to add levels of protection to your building, give our Houston fire protection company a call. We’ll work with you to help determine which equipment will best fit you and your employee’s needs.