RestoPros of New Orleans Shares Essential Winter Space Heater Safety Guidelines to Prevent Fire Damage

February 10, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

RestoPros of New Orleans, a leading restoration service provider, is reminding residents about critical space heater safety practices as winter temperatures prompt increased use of supplemental heating devices. The company’s fire restoration experts are highlighting preventive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of residential fires during the colder months.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second-leading cause of home fires in the United States, with space heaters accounting for approximately 40 percent of home heating fires. As temperatures drop across Louisiana, proper space heater usage becomes essential for preventing devastating fire damage restoration scenarios.

“Every winter, we respond to numerous fire damage calls that could have been prevented with proper space heater safety practices,” said Philip Ehrhardt, Fire Restoration Specialist at RestoPros of New Orleans. “Understanding and implementing basic safety guidelines can mean the difference between staying warm safely and facing a catastrophic home fire that requires extensive restoration work.”

The company emphasizes maintaining a three-foot clearance zone around all space heaters, free from combustible materials such as curtains, furniture, bedding, and clothing. This simple precaution dramatically reduces the likelihood of accidental ignition. Additionally, space heaters should always be placed on level, hard surfaces rather than carpets or rugs, which can pose additional fire hazards.

Electrical safety remains paramount when using space heaters. Devices should be plugged directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords or power strips, which may not be rated for the high current draw of heating appliances. Regular inspection of power cords for damage, fraying, or heat marks is essential, and any unit showing signs of wear should be replaced immediately.

The restoration experts also stress the importance of purchasing space heaters with current safety certifications and automatic shut-off features. Modern units equipped with tip-over protection and overheating sensors provide additional layers of safety for households. Older space heaters lacking these features should be retired and replaced with newer, safer models.

Proper supervision is another critical aspect of space heater safety. These devices should never be left unattended while operating, and should always be turned off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Children and pets should be kept at least three feet away from operating heaters at all times.

Carbon monoxide safety is particularly important for those using fuel-burning space heaters. These units require proper ventilation and should never be used in enclosed spaces without adequate air circulation. Installing carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas provides an essential safety measure for homes using any type of fuel-burning heating equipment.

RestoPros of New Orleans specializes in comprehensive restoration services including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, and storm damage restoration. With 30 years of combined industry experience, the company operates 24/7 emergency response services throughout the greater New Orleans area, including Arabi, Gretna, Kenner, and Metairie. The company’s certified technicians follow IICRC guidelines and work closely with insurance companies to streamline the claims process for property owners facing restoration needs.

###

For more information about RestoPros of New Orleans, contact the company here:

RestoPros of New Orleans
Philip Ehrhardt
(504) 222-1551
info@restoprosnola.com
525 Jefferson Highway Suite 804, New Orleans LA 70121