Space Heater Safety

As the weather turns colder many families use space heaters to balance the heat in their homes. If you need to use a space heater in your home please follow these tips to keep yourself and your family safe this winter.

Do’s:

-Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and has been certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.  These heaters have the most up-to-date safety features. Older space heaters may not meet newer safety standards. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.

-Place the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor.

-Keep the heater at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials.

-Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

-Turn the heater off if you leave the area.

Don’ts:

-Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. 

-Don’t place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

-Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.

-Don’t use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.

Also, be sure to place smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. Guard against carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings as well by installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Make sure that the batteries in all alarms are working.