My advice

Normally, the ropes are made of ceramic fibre which allows them to sustain high temperature so that the heating elements do not sag. If the heating coils sag, shorting will occur.

Hence, do not turn on heater without repair it. They are not cotton rope. Cotton rope will burn if you turn on electricity.

Take Mrs. Grey Wolf's advice to buy a proper electical heater for the next few days.

Be safe!