Space Heater Safety

Below are some simple precautions you should take when using space heaters, to help keep you both warm and safe:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, walls, curtains, bedding, and all other flammable items.
• Never use extension cords with space heaters.
• Inspect space heaters before use. Discontinue use if the space heater has fraying insulation, broken wires, or shows any sign of overheating.
• Never use space heaters for drying clothes, warming bedding, heating food, thawing pipes, or anything other than supplemental heat.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave a room or go to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets whenever space heaters are in use.
• When buying space heaters look for a model with automatic shut-off features.
• If you have a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use gasoline or other substitute fuel.
• When refueling, turn off the space heater and let it completely cool before adding fuel. Clean up any spills promptly.
• Be sure that any liquid-fueled heating device used in the home is rated for indoor use and is adequately ventilated.