Space Heaters: The Safety Rules That Can Prevent Claims

When temperatures drop, space heaters become a go-to solution for quick warmth. They’re convenient, affordable, and effective — but they’re also involved in a surprising number of home insurance claims every winter.

The good news? Most space heater incidents are preventable.

Let’s walk through the key safety rules that can help keep your home safe and avoid costly damage.

Why Space Heaters Can Be Risky

Space heaters generate high levels of heat in concentrated areas. When combined with common household conditions — like clutter, fabrics, or overloaded outlets — the risk of fire rises quickly.

In fact, space heaters are one of the leading causes of winter home fires.

Common claim scenarios include:

• Fires caused by heaters placed too close to furniture or bedding

• Electrical damage from overloaded circuits

• Burns or melted materials

• Smoke damage throughout the home
  

The Most Important Safety Rule: Give It Space

Always maintain at least three feet of clearance around your heater.

Keep heaters away from:

• Curtains

• Bedding

• Upholstered furniture

• Clothing

• Rugs

• Paper or décor
  

If it can burn, melt, or ignite — keep it far away.

Plug Directly Into the Wall

Never plug a space heater into:

• Extension cords

• Power strips 

• Surge protectors
  

Space heaters draw significant power. Plugging into anything other than a wall outlet can easily lead to overheating and electrical fires.

Choose the Right Surface

Always place heaters on:

✔ Flat  ✔ Stable  ✔ Non-flammable surfaces

Avoid placing heaters on beds, couches, or uneven flooring.

Tip: Hard floors are safer than carpets whenever possible.

Don’t Leave It Unattended

Turn off space heaters when:

• Leaving the room 

• Leaving the house 

• Going to sleep
  

Many fires occur when heaters are left running overnight.

Even models with safety features should not be trusted unattended.

Look for Built-In Safety Features

Modern heaters often include valuable protections:

✔ Tip-over shutoff  ✔ Overheat protection  ✔ Cool-touch exterior

While these features improve safety, they are not substitutes for proper use.

Keep Kids & Pets in Mind

Space heaters can cause burns or accidents if knocked over.

Make sure heaters are:

• Out of high-traffic areas

• Away from play spaces

• Positioned where cords won’t be pulled
  

Inspect Before Using Each Season

Before plugging in your heater:

• Check for frayed cords

• Look for loose plugs

• Clean dust buildup

• Ensure vents are unobstructed
  

Damaged heaters should never be used.

How This Connects to Insurance Claims

Many winter fire claims involve situations where simple precautions were missed:

• Heater too close to fabrics

• Plugged into extension cord

• Left running overnight
  

Preventable incidents can still lead to serious consequences:

• Property damage

• Displacement from the home

• Premium increases

• Deductible costs
  

Prevention is always easier than recovery.

If you’re unsure how fire damage, smoke damage, or electrical incidents are covered under your policy, Cushman Insurance is here to help.

A quick coverage review today can provide valuable peace of mind all winter long.

Stay warm — and stay safe!