Space Heater Safety Tips
Barrett Dick • December 9, 2020
When the temperatures drop, we are prone to break out the space heaters. They are a relatively inexpensive way to keep electricity bills down during the cooler months. It is important to recognize the importance of space heater safety.
Space heaters may keep us warm and cozy, but it is important to remember that they are also fire and electrical hazards. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are involved in more than a thousand home fires every year. Space heaters should be kept away from carpeting, curtains and blankets to avoid possible fires.
SPACE HEATER SAFETY TIPS
Below are some space heater safety tips for you to utilize this winter season:
- Keep Flammable Items Away – Clothes, sheets, blankets, upholstered furniture, carpet or other flammable objects should not be near your space heater, because they can easily catch fire easily. All furniture and beds should be at least 3 feet away from the heater. It may seem simple, but remember that space heaters need space!
- Going to Bed? Turn Your Space Heater Off! – Even if you leave the room for a few minutes, it is important to turn off your heater as it could start a fire that quickly gets out of control. You should never leave space heaters unattended.
- Adult Supervision Required – Children may not know to stay away from a space heater. They could easily tip it over or put something flammable near it. To be on the safe side, do not leave children alone with space heaters.
- Flat, Solid Surface – Do not place your space heater on a table, dresser or other unreliable, unstable or flammable surface. The smoother the surface, the better.
- Plug Directly Into an Outlet – Never use an extension cord or surge protector with your space heater. Most space heaters use about 1,500 watts of power at their maximum temperature. Extension cords are not designed to handle large energy loads. If possible, use a three-pronged grounded outlet to power your space heater.
- Not For Drying or Warming – Only utilize space heaters for supplemental heat. They should not be used to warm linens, thaw pipes, dry clothes, or cook food.
- Smoke Alarms Ready – It may seem obvious, but make sure your smoke alarm is fully functional. Check to ensure they are working properly and replace batteries as soon as it blinks or beeps.
Newer Space Heater Safety Features:
- Automatic Shut-Off – Some space heaters have an automatic shut-off feature. If it gets tipped over, this shuts off your space heater automatically.
- Timer – Some newer model space heaters are equipped with timers. This feature lets you set how long you want the heater to run. It is important to have this feature if you plan to leave it on while you are sleeping.
- Adjustable Thermostat – There are also space heater models with adjustable thermostats. This feature helps you conserve energy because the heater only runs when the temperature falls below the number you set it to. Therefore, the space heater will not run constantly, which further reduces the risk of a fire starting.
FIRES HAPPEN, CALL ON GRS
At the end of the day, no matter how careful you are with space heater safety, fire emergencies happen. Most often these do not occur during an 8-5 business day. That’s why Guarantee Restoration Services is available 24/7, which is not just a number, it’s a guarantee. If you experience smoke damage or a fire loss this winter season, give us a call at 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
Learn how Guarantee Restoration Services provides expert reconstruction services in Mobile, AL after water, fire, storm, and property damage. (
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
