Every night before you go to sleep, you probably examine to make sure your doors are locked and your lights are off. But there’s one more small habit that could make a huge difference in your home’s safety—unplugging your space heater.
Space heaters are a common solution for staying warm during chilly evenings. They’re convenient, portable, and often energy-efficient. But while they deliver comfort, they also carry a serious risk if not used properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are responsible for over 40% of home heating fires and 85% of associated d3aths. Many of these fires occur while people are sleeping and unaware of what’s occuring around them.
So if you’re using a space heater in your living room, here’s why and how you should always unplug it before going to bed.
The Hidden Danger of Space Heaters
Space heaters are designed to offer additional warmth to rooms that aren’t heated well or for people who want to avoid turning up the central heating system. While they are useful, space heaters draw a significant amount of electricity and can become fire hazards due to:
- Overheating
- Electrical malfunctions
- Being placed too close to flammable materials
- Being left on unattended
Most people don’t realize how quickly a space heater can overheat or spark a fire. All it takes is one faulty cord, a piece of fabric too close to the unit, or a heater that’s left running too long.
Why Nighttime Is Especially Risky
The most risky time to leave a space heater running is while you’re asleep. At night, you’re less likely to spot war:ning signs such as:
- A burning smell
- A tripped circuit breaker
- The heater overheating or sparking
Fires that start at night are more likely to be d3adly because they can spread before anyone wakes up. Smoke inhalation is a major cause of fire-related deaths, and in a deep sleep, your ability to react quickly is greatly reduced.
By simply unplugging your space heater before you go to bed, you’re significantly reducing the chances of an electrical fire breaking out while your family is vulnerable.
Other Appliances to Watch
While space heaters are the most concerning, they aren’t the only living room appliances you should be careful with. Consider also unplugging:
- Electric blankets
- Power strips or surge protectors that are overloaded
- Decorative lighting
- Old TVs or entertainment systems that generate heat
Many of these devices continue to draw power even when turned off, which can lead to overheating or electrical surges.
How to Use a Space Heater Safely
If you depend on a space heater in the evenings, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Unplug when not in use – Always turn it off and unplug it before bed or when leaving the house.
- Use on a flat, solid surface – Never place it on a carpet or rug where it can tip over.
- Keep it clear – Maintain at least 3 feet of space between the heater and anything flammable like curtains, furniture, or blankets.
- Avoid extension cords – Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet to avoid overheating.
- Inspect regularly – Check cords for fraying or damage and clean dust from the unit.
- Buy models with safety features – Look for heaters with automatic shut-off and overheat protection.
Build a Nightly Safety Routine
Building the habit of unplugging certain devices at night takes only a few seconds but can save lives. Try incorporating these quick checks into your nightly routine:
- Walk through your living room before bed.
- Turn off and unplug your space heater.
- Check that cords are not exposed or tangled.
- Ensure flammable items are stored safely away.
- These small steps make a big impact when it comes to preventing home fires.
Final Thoughts
Modern appliances have made our lives easier and more comfortable, but they also require responsible usage. The space heater is one of the most common sources of warmth—and one of the most underestimated fire hazards.
So before you get cozy under your blanket and drift off to sleep, do one last thing: unplug the space heater.
Your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind are worth the extra moment.
