Space heaters pose serious dangers - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Indianapolis - Many people use space heaters to keep warm in the winter, but they can pose serious dangers to you and your family.

Just last week Indianapolis firefighters battled a blaze started by a space heater on South Harris Avenue on the city's west side.

A 13 year old woke up to flames in his bedroom ignited by clothes.

That time, the entire family got out alive, but that isn't always the case. So far this year 14 people have died in fires in Indianapolis.  More than half of those are blamed on space heaters.

Now, fire prevention officers are working to educate people about the dangers.

They say space heaters are a great source of heat to keep warm, but mistakes like improper connections and leaving them unattended or on while you are asleep is very dangerous.

Firefighters want you to use heaters with the best safety features.

"If this were to flip over or to be tipped over, it does not have an automatic shut off. So you want one that has an automatic shut off as well, " said Aleatha Henderson, Indianapolis Fire Department educator.

Also, firefighters warn people not to plug other appliances in the same outlet as the heater because that can spark an electrical fire.

One suggestion is to use a surge protector. If the circuit overloads the surge protector will shut off the power.

If you use a kerosene heater, firefighters warn those can be silent killers because of the carbon monoxide and they strongly suggest you have a carbon monoxide detector.

You can check the safety of your home by going to the Indianapolis Fire Department fire safety website.