Floridians don’t need electric space heaters; it’s always warm in the Sunshine State, right? Not really. As any resident of north Florida will tell you, there are often days when the state’s sunshine doesn’t provide enough warmth – and many turn to electric space heaters to beat back the chill. Unfortunately, the use of space heaters in the northeast part of Florida including Jacksonville can be very risky and often results in product liability lawsuits.
Getting That Little Bit Of Extra Warmth – Safely
Electric space heaters have gained popularity over the past decade as manufacturers have come out with new models – some of which are designed to look like fireplaces or wood burning stoves – that provide consumers with just that little bit of “extra warmth” they desire.
However, not all of these products are safe. According to the consumer group SafeElectricity.org, space heaters cause 25,000 home fires and result in 6,000 trips to the emergency room every year. The group offers the following tips to stay safe when using any type of electric space heater:
Check to make sure the product has been safely tested and is UL (Underwriters Laboratories – a product safety testing and certification company) approved.
Read, follow and make sure you understand the instructions for use, operation and care.
Make sure that the product has safety features such as heating element guards and emergency shut-offs.
Check your carbon monoxide detectors for proper functioning.
Never put electrical heaters on carpets, countertops or furniture; only place them on a non-flammable surface that is level and sturdy.
Use space heaters as intended – never to dry wet clothing.
Keep electric heaters away from anything flammable, including upholstered items, fuels, spray cans and paint.
Don’t overload the circuit used to operate the heater.
Turn heaters off when you’re not in the room.
Replace older heaters when needed.
While many electric space heaters on the market are safe as long as they are used as intended, many are not and can cause serious injury or death – even when used correctly.
Fires Can Result In Product Liability Lawsuits
Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to design and manufacture products that are safe and effective when used as intended and to warn consumers about any known defects that are discovered after the product has been placed into the marketplace. When a product injures or kills a consumer because of a design defect, shoddy manufacture or because the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warning of the danger posed, manufacturers, distributors or sellers can be held liable for the harm caused.
Floridians don’t need electric space heaters; it’s always warm in the Sunshine State, right? Not really. As any resident of north Florida will tell you, there are often days when the state’s sunshine doesn’t provide enough warmth – and many turn to electric space heaters to beat back the chill. Unfortunately, the use of space heaters in the northeast part of Florida including Jacksonville can be very risky and often results in product liability lawsuits.
Getting That Little Bit Of Extra Warmth – Safely
Electric space heaters have gained popularity over the past decade as manufacturers have come out with new models – some of which are designed to look like fireplaces or wood burning stoves – that provide consumers with just that little bit of “extra warmth” they desire.
However, not all of these products are safe. According to the consumer group SafeElectricity.org, space heaters cause 25,000 home fires and result in 6,000 trips to the emergency room every year. The group offers the following tips to stay safe when using any type of electric space heater:
While many electric space heaters on the market are safe as long as they are used as intended, many are not and can cause serious injury or death – even when used correctly.
Fires Can Result In Product Liability Lawsuits
Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to design and manufacture products that are safe and effective when used as intended and to warn consumers about any known defects that are discovered after the product has been placed into the marketplace. When a product injures or kills a consumer because of a design defect, shoddy manufacture or because the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warning of the danger posed, manufacturers, distributors or sellers can be held liable for the harm caused.