The office of Public Safety is advising Islanders to use electric space heaters with caution to prevent fire.
“Electric space heaters are meant to be used for that little bit of extra heat in a cool room or while watching TV on a cool night, instead of turning up the heat to warm the entire house,” said David Blacquiere, Provincial Fire Marshall. “However, some Islanders may be relying on these heaters due to the increasing costs of furnace oil, and this can create a serious fire hazard.”
The Fire Marshall offered some tips for using portable electric heaters:
• Don’t leave a heater unattended if there are pets or small children in the home that may come in contact with it.
• Keep drapes, newspapers, clothing and other combustible objects a safe distance away.
• Put the heater where it can’t be tipped over easily.
• Never dry clothes by draping them over the heater.
• Only use a heavy duty extension cord so it doesn’t overheat and don’t run the cord under carpet.
PEI Emergency Measures Organization - 24/7 number - (902) 892-9365