Recently, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro, Assistant Chief James Hickman, President of Fire Commission Frank DeBobes, Nassau Fire Education Center Chief Instructor John Murray, and the Nassau County Police Department Arson and Bomb Squad to host a demonstration for residents at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy in Old Bethpage to show what happens if you don't use space heaters safely.
“With the temperature dropping below freezing across our region, it is important that our residents operate space heaters safely, should they choose to use them,” County Executive Blakeman said. “Thank you to our Fire Marshall, Fire Commission, Chiefs, and our outstanding Fire Academy officers here in Old Bethpage for putting together this demonstration for our residents.” He continued.
“As we just witnessed with the tragedy in the Bronx, space heaters can be a real hazard if proper precautions aren’t taken.” Chief Uttaro said. “Our goal is to educate residents about safe use, and the different steps they can take to make sure they stay safe this winter.”
Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro advised to make sure your heater has an auto-shut off to turn the heater off if it tips over, or is knocked down by a child or pet. He also went through the safety tips and recommendations below, which can be found at nfpa.org/education.
HEATER CHECKLIST
- Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from anything that can burn
- Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
- Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
- Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
- Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
- Keep children away from the space heater.
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
- Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.