Give electric space heaters some room

When used properly, electric space heaters provide a convenient way to warm small spaces. Ignore basic safety precautions, however, and convenience can turn catastrophic.In its December 2017 report ìHome Fires Involving Heating Equipment,î the National Fire Protection Association reported that electric portable and stationary space heaters accounted for nearly half (49 percent) of home fires involving space heaters of all types between 2011 and 2015. Fires related to electric space heaters caused an average of 240 deaths, 770 injuries and $323 million in direct property damage each year during that time period.Electric space heaters come in a variety of sizes and types (oil or water-filled radiator, fan-forced heater, ceramic, infrared), but the same basic safety principles apply to all of them.

• Heaters should have a label from a recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory) verifying that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary U.S. safety standards.
• Choose a heater with a thermostat and an automatic shutoff that turns off the heater if it overheats or tips over.
• Make sure the heater and power cord are undamaged.
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use extension cords or power strips.
• Do not run power cords under rugs or carpeting.
• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface (preferably on the floor) where it cannot be knocked over.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (bedding, curtains, upholstered furniture, clothing, paper, cardboard, etc.).
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Place heaters away from foot traffic, and do not block exits.
• If the heater plug, cord, or wall outlet gets hot during use, turn off the heater, unplug it, and contact a qualified electrician to inspect the outlet.
• Turn off and unplug space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
• Check†http://CPSC.gov/,†and search ìspace heatersî under recalls to make sure a heater has not been recalled.

Sources:Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cspc.gov)Consumer Reports Space Heater Buying Guide (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/space-heaters/buying-guide)National Fire Protection Association (http://www.nfpa.org)