Space Heaters—Michigan's Most Dangerous Winter Appliance

As Michigan heads into its colder months, things can get downright chilly. When those temperatures get frigid, there's one appliance every Michigander needs to be aware of this winter.

Temperatures in Michigan can get wicked cold. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the state got down to -51 F.

The Most Dangerous Appliance in Michigan Homes This Winter

It doesn't even need to be that cold for you to whip out the most dangerous appliance in a Michiganders house...

The space heater.

Space heaters are single-handedly the most dangerous winter appliance in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2014 through 2018, "fixed or portable space heaters" were responsible for 44% of home fires and 81% of civilian deaths across the nation.

Read Related: How to Prepare for Winter in Michigan—13 Essential Gear Tips

Not to mention, from 2016 to 2020, space heaters were the cause of about one-third of all fires, and approximately nine out of ten deaths.

Michigan's coldest months of the year are coming up; December through February can be brutal at times. So if you need to break out a space heater to stay warm, it's important to be aware of these safety tips.

Space Heater Safety Tips

When using a space heater, make sure to

Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house
Set up space heaters far away from flammable objects, like furniture, curtains, etc.
ONLY use a space heater while you are awake, NEVER while you're asleep or might accidentally fall asleep
Keep children and pets away from the space heater
Plug the space heater directly into the wall, and never a power strip or extension cord, which can overheat when a space heater is plugged in

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Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews