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Space Heater Safety

Space heaters are a common source of home fires and electrical hazards. A little care in choosing, placing, and running one makes a real difference.

CHOOSING ONE

Before You Buy

Choose a heater with a guard around the heating element.

Look for one tested and certified by a national recognized institution, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Buy a heater sized to handle the area you actually want to heat, and read the manufacturer’s operating instructions before use.

PLACEMENT

Where To Put It

Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable items - curtains, furniture, bedspreads.

Don’t use one in a bathroom; the high moisture can damage the unit and increase electrocution risk.

Keep heaters away from water, and never store flammable liquids near one.

WHILE IT"S RUNNING

Using It Safely

Never leave a space heater unattended, and never go to sleep with one on.

Keep children and pets away from the heater at all times.

Don’t use it to dry clothes, and don’t run it through an extension cord - plug it directly into the wall.

Warning Sign

The plug should fit snugly in the outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm during use since the unit draws a lot of power - but if they feel hot, unplug the heater immediately and have a qualified repair person check it.

IF SOMETHING’S WRONG

Repairs

Never attempt to repair a broken heater yourself - have it checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.

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