As cold winter weather approaches in the coming months, many families will seek any heating source they can – and they should be wary of the increased risk of fire that comes with using portable heating devices.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of all home fires and deaths occur between the months of December and February. The primary reason for the increase in fire accidents during this time is attributed to an increase in the use of auxiliary heating equipment and stoves by families trying to keep warm during the cold.
Further contributing to the risk of fires is the idea held by many that space heaters are safe appliances to have in one’s home. Despite 73 percent of all fire deaths and 51 percent of all property damage caused by the heaters, a Liberty Mutual and International Association of Fire Fighters survey in 2006 found that one in four adults felt they were “safe”
“At the start of the most dangerous home fire season of the year, families need to get the facts on fire safety and take extra precaution in protecting their homes,” said Greg Gordon, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at Liberty Mutual.
For families who are dependent on space heaters for warmth this winter and incur some type of damage to essential portions of their homes due to a fire that need replacement, payday loans may be able to cover the expenses.
