PARMA, Ohio — We saw examples of how deadly space heaters can be in a large apartment fire in The Bronx this weekend, but there are simple steps you can take to stay safe.
If you have a newer model of space heater, they have automatic switches in them that should turn them off if they become unstable, but don't rely on that.
Nothing else should be plugged into the same outlet as the space heater because of the amount of energy it needs.
The space heater should be plugged directly into the wall, don't plug it into an extension cord for the same reason, because of the amount of energy the space heater takes.
It should be at least three feet away from anything flammable including drapes, furniture and any type of paper or debris.
"You don't want to use them as your primary source of heating, never leave them unattended with children in the room, never leave them in a child's room and never leave them on when you're asleep at night," T.J. Martin with the Parma Fire Department said.
If things catch fire, it's not just the fire you have to worry about, it's the smoke.
"When it's a severe house fire and a prolonged exposure it can be extremely dangerous and have long-term effects, and they can be unresponsive on arrival, so it's something we look for," Dr. Christopher Dussel with UH Parma Medical Center said.
Officials in charge of reviewing the large apartment fire in the Bronx this weekend said smoke inhalation was the cause of many deaths and hospitalizations.
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