News Releases

Kansas City, MO – December 9 – Winter is coming, and cold nights are here. Many Evergy customers will turn to portable space heaters and electric blankets to help stay warm. If not used correctly, space heaters and electric blankets can pose a fire hazard to you and your family. The Electrical Safety Foundation reports that heating equipment causes more than 65,000 home fires each year.

Evergy reminds customers how to properly use electric blankets and heaters to stay safe this upcoming winter.

Space Heaters

• Always review and follow any safety instructions on your specific space heater.
• Plug your heater into a wall outlet. Never plug a portable space heater into a power strip or extension cord. 
• Heaters should be placed on flat surfaces, such as the floor. Do not leave them anywhere that they could fall.
• Keep them three feet from other items, especially blankets and curtains.
• Make sure they have the proper certifications, for example UL approved. This means the product has been tested and meets specific safety requirements.
• Do not use them while sleeping. Choose a space heater with a timer.
• Choose a space heater that is the proper size for the room to avoid wasting energy or overheating a room.

Electric Blankets

• Throw out electric blankets or heating pads with dark, charred or frayed spots or indications the electric cord is cracked or frayed.
• Do not allow anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use, including other blankets or even pets. Electric blankets may overheat.
• Never fold electric blankets when in use. Folded or tucked in blankets could overheat and cause a fire. 
• Do not use electric blankets or heating pads while sleeping.
• Turn them off when not in use.