Electrical Portable Space Heater Safety
The use of portable, electric space heaters should be a temporary measure and is permitted only if properly and appropriately used. Portable electric heaters are high-wattage appliances that have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials like curtains, beds, sofas, paper, clothing, and flammable liquids. If ignition results from a heater left on and unattended, a major fire could result.
What You Can Do
Never use any portable heater that is fueled by kerosene, propane or that produces open flame.
Heater Checklist
- Purchase a heater with the seal of an independent testing laboratory.
- Keep space heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
- Choose a space heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
- Choose a space heater with an auto shutoff to turn off if it tips over.
- Place the space heater on a solid, flat surface.
- Keep the space heater out of the way of foot traffic and never block exits.
- Keep children and pets away from the space heater.
- Plug the space heater directly into the wall outlet.
- Never plug space heaters into an extension cord or power strip.
- Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you go to bed.
- Never leave a space heater turned on when unattended.
- To prevent electrical shocks and electrocutions, always keep electric heaters away from wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Children should never play near or around an electric portable space heater.