Pre-Use Heating Equipment Safety Checklist to Help Prevent Fires

If you are using an electric heating pad or space heater for the first time this winter, do not switch it on immediately after taking it out of storage. First, check the plug and power cord for damage, make sure electric heating pads are not folded or compressed, remove combustible materials from around heaters, and inspect the electrical outlet.
While heating equipment is in use, avoid leaving it running continuously for extended periods and turn it off whenever the area is unattended.

According to data from Korea’s National Fire Information Center published by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 1,411 fires involving electric heating pads and electric heaters occurred between 2022 and 2024, resulting in 16 deaths and 131 injuries. Fires were particularly concentrated in December and January, when heating equipment use increases.
For electric heating pads, improper handling was identified as a major cause, while fires involving electric heaters were frequently associated with combustible materials such as paper or clothing being placed too close to the heater.

Before using heating equipment this winter, start with the following checks.

What Should You Check Before Using Heating Equipment?

1. Check Plugs and Power Cords for Damage

Before using heating equipment that has been stored since last winter, inspect the plug, power cord, and heating elements for cracks, exposed wiring, or other damage.
If you notice discoloration, cracks, burn marks, or excessive heat around the plug or cord during use, stop using the equipment and have it inspected.
Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety also recommends checking plugs and power cords before using electric heating appliances and discontinuing use immediately if abnormalities are found.

2. Check Electric Heating Pads for Folds or Compressed Areas

Electric heating pads and blankets can be damaged if they remain folded for long periods or are compressed under heavy objects during storage.
Before use, fully unfold the heating pad and inspect its condition. During use, make sure it does not become folded or compressed under heavy objects.
Avoid covering the heating pad with multiple layers of thick bedding that may prevent heat from dissipating properly.

3. Keep Paper, Clothing, Boxes, and Other Combustible Materials Away from Space Heaters

Do not place documents, cardboard boxes, curtains, clothing, towels, or other combustible materials near an electric space heater.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend maintaining approximately 3 feet (0.9 meters) of clearance between portable heaters and combustible materials.
If the manufacturer specifies a different safety clearance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Plug High-Power Heating Appliances Directly into a Wall Outlet Whenever Possible

High-power heating appliances such as electric heaters can increase the risk of overheating and electrical overload when multiple devices are connected to the same power strip.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper power connection requirements and, whenever possible, use a dedicated wall outlet.
The U.S. CPSC also recommends plugging portable electric heaters directly into a wall outlet rather than using an extension cord or power strip.

5. Check for Loose or Overheated Plugs and Outlets

If a plug does not fit securely into an outlet, heat may build up at the connection point.
After connecting the heater, check whether the plug or outlet becomes unusually hot or shows signs of discoloration. If it does, stop using the equipment and have it inspected.

6. Check Whether a Portable Heater Has Tip-Over Protection

When using a portable electric heater, check whether it has a tip-over safety switch that automatically shuts off the power if the heater falls over.
Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety also recommends using electric heaters equipped with an automatic shut-off function in the event that the unit tilts or overturns.

7. Use a Timer to Avoid Leaving Heating Equipment On for Extended Periods

Rather than operating heating equipment continuously at high temperatures for long periods, use a timer or automatic shut-off function where available.
Avoid falling asleep with electric heating pads or heaters running for extended periods, and do not leave them operating when the area is unattended.

8. Check Exhaust and Ventilation for Boilers and Fuel-Burning Heaters

For boilers and heating appliances that burn gas, oil, or other fuels, carbon monoxide is an important safety consideration in addition to fire risk.
Before the heating season begins, check exhaust pipes for disconnection, deformation, or blockage. If anything appears abnormal, have the system professionally inspected before use.
Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety also recommends checking exhaust systems when using boilers and fuel-burning heaters.

1-Minute Heating Equipment Safety Checklist

Before Turning On the Heat

☐ The plug has no discoloration, cracks, or burn marks.
☐ Power cords have no exposed, damaged, or compressed areas.
☐ Equipment stored for an extended period has no visible deformation or damage.
☐ Electric heating pads are not folded or compressed under heavy objects.
☐ There is no paper, clothing, curtains, cardboard, or other combustible material near the heater.
☐ Adequate safety clearance has been maintained around the heater.
☐ Electrical outlets are secure and show no discoloration or damage.
☐ High-power heating appliances are not sharing a power strip with multiple other devices.
☐ The tip-over automatic shut-off function on portable heaters has been checked.
☐ Exhaust and ventilation systems have been checked for boilers and fuel-burning heaters.

While Heating Equipment Is in Use

☐ Check that plugs and outlets are not becoming unusually hot.
☐ Do not cover electric heating pads with excessive layers of thick bedding.
☐ Use timer functions rather than operating heating equipment continuously for extended periods.
☐ Keep the area around heating equipment clear of stored items.

Before Leaving Work or Going Out

☐ Turn off heating equipment.
☐ Unplug portable electric heaters that are not in use.
☐ Make sure no portable heater has been left operating in an unattended area.

Even a Small Fire Can Spread Smoke and Soot Beyond the Immediate Fire Area

Fire damage is not always limited to the area directly affected by flames. Smoke and soot can travel with airflow and through HVAC systems, spreading contamination beyond the original fire area.
This is particularly important in factories and industrial facilities, where production machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, and control panels may be affected by soot, firefighting water, and moisture even when they show no obvious direct heat damage.

At BELFOR Korea fire restoration sites, the assessment therefore considers not only visible soot but also contamination on equipment surfaces and electrical/electronic components, moisture exposure, and the potential for corrosion.

After a fire, the first priority is always personal safety. Follow the instructions of the fire department and relevant authorities. Once the fire has been extinguished and the site has been declared safe to enter, avoid restarting contaminated equipment before the extent of damage and restoration potential have been professionally assessed.

What Does BELFOR Korea Restore After a Fire?

BELFOR Korea is a disaster restoration specialist providing restoration services for factories and industrial facilities affected by fire, water damage, and industrial contamination. Our capabilities cover not only buildings but also machinery, production equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, and precision equipment.

Following a fire, BELFOR Korea provides an integrated restoration response that may include site assessment, damage mitigation, soot and contamination removal, building restoration, machinery and electrical/electronic equipment restoration, and support for returning equipment to operation.

For factory and industrial facility fires in particular, it is important to assess contamination and damage before immediately disposing of or replacing affected equipment. This helps determine which assets have restoration potential and which require replacement.

If your facility has been affected by fire, contact BELFOR Korea for assistance.

24-Hour Emergency Contact: +82-32-675-8500

Heating Equipment & Fire Restoration FAQ

Q. What Should I Check Before Using a Heater for the First Time This Winter?

Start by checking the plug and power cord for cracks, exposed wiring, discoloration, or burn marks. For equipment that has been stored for a long period, also inspect electric heating pads for folds or compressed areas and portable heaters for visible damage before switching them on.

Q. Can I Plug an Electric Space Heater into a Power Strip?

High-power electric heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet whenever possible. Check the appliance’s rated power consumption and manufacturer instructions, and avoid connecting multiple high-power appliances to the same power strip.

Q. How Far Should Combustible Materials Be Kept from a Space Heater?

Keep paper, clothing, curtains, cardboard, and other combustible materials away from space heaters. The USFA and CPSC recommend maintaining approximately 3 feet (0.9 meters) of clearance between portable heaters and combustible materials. If the manufacturer requires greater clearance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Q. Can I Continue Using a Heater if the Plug Becomes Hot or Discolored?

Stop using the heater if the plug, cord, or outlet becomes unusually hot or shows cracks, discoloration, or burn marks. Have the appliance and electrical outlet inspected before using the heater again.

Q. Can Professional Fire Restoration Be Necessary Even After a Small Fire?

Yes. Smoke and soot can spread beyond the area directly affected by flames, and in industrial facilities, contamination may enter machinery and electrical and electronic equipment.
Even when equipment has little visible heat damage, its contamination level and restoration potential may need to be assessed before the equipment is restarted.