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State Farm® Offers Tips to Prevent Space Heater Fires

Smoke alarms and common sense could save you and your family from winter disaster.

Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 18, 2011 - Space heaters maintain warmth in millions of U.S. homes, while reducing utility costs. But misuse of these alternative heat sources could prove hazardous for your family.

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, heating devices account for at least one in six home fires. Space heating poses a much higher risk of fire, death, injury, and loss per million users than central heating.

State Farm offers ways to reduce risks and use space heaters safely:

• The model should be tested and approved by an independent testing lab.
• All heating elements should have a safety guard.
• The unit should include an automatic safety switch that will turn off the appliance if it is accidentally tipped over.
• Never use gasoline in a kerosene unit. Use only what the manufacturer recommends.
• Kerosene heaters should only be used in a well-ventilated area, away from flames or other heat sources.
• Turn off all space heaters when leaving the room.

If a fire does start, a properly installed, functioning smoke alarm could alert you to a potential disaster.

Eddie Bain, program director at the Illinois Fire Institute, says, the earlier your alarm can detect the presence of smoke, the earlier it can do its job.

State Farm recommends a two-pronged approach to space heater and smoke alarm safety to avoid disaster during the cold months.

To get the most out of your smoke alarms, here are some things to keep in mind:

• If your house is involved in a fire, replace the smoke alarms. Smoke in that fire could have rendered its sensors useless.
• Most smoke alarms should be replaced every eight-to-10 years.
• Install them no less than four inches or more than 12 inches from where the ceiling meets the wall.
• Do not install smoke alarms near kitchens or fireplaces or any place where smoke could trigger false alarms, as people tend to deactivate them.
• Do not test smoke alarms by using smoke. Press the test button and it should beep or ring loudly.

For additional information about alternate heat resources visit State Farm's Web site at statefarm.com/learning, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) at http://www.disastersafety.org/ or the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) at http://www.nfpa.org.

Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov for any manufacturers' recall notices on your stove, furnace or heating device.

Connect with us via Twitter to ask questions and get more helpful tips about space heaters and fire prevention.

Contact

Angela Thorpe, State Farm Insurance at (303) 264-1560.

About State Farm®

State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.