MAYWOOD, Ill. The Burn Center at Loyola University Medical Center is warning the public about the dangers of space heaters and other electrical appliances used to keep warm or decorate homes for the holidays. The tips are available to the public in English and Spanish on Loyola's Web site: www.luhs.org/burnprevention

"Every year we receive patients who are victims of house fires caused by space heaters, " said Dr. Richard L. Gamelli, director, The Burn Center and the Burn and Shock Institute Loyola University Health System. "So many of these injuries are preventable if simple precautions are taken." Gamelli is the Robert J. Freeark, M.D., Professor of Trauma Surgery and professor of Pediatrics, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Loyola's tips cover electrical lights, Christmas trees, candles, space heaters, cooking safety, and bathing. Some key tips for space heater safety include:

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture or other combustible material, such as curtains and bedding. Don't place heaters on carpets or rugs.

• Locate space heaters on a hard, level surface where a child or family pet cannot brush up against them.

• Never leave a space heater on when an adult is not present in the room.

• Make sure the heater is designed for the size of the room you wish to heat. Indoor pollutants can be produced with a wrong sized heater.

• Ensure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide and other hazardous fumes.

• Make sure there is a guard around the heating element or flame area of the device.

• Do not go to sleep with a space heater turned on. Carbon monoxide levels could rise with fuel-fired heaters.

• Portable heaters should have an automatic shut-off.

• Never keep flammable liquids near a space heater.

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Contact: Joanne Swanson
jswanson@lumc.edu
708-216-2445
Loyola University Health System
15-Dec-2003


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