When the temperature drops, portable space heaters can be a great way to keep warm in your home or office without turning up the heat on everyone else. However, these devices can also be a major fire hazard. Here are some ways to stay safe and toasty this winter.
How can I keep warm without using a space heater?
- Close doors
- Increase building temperature
- Dress for the season
How can I prevent fire and injury?
- Never leave it unattended
- Must be placed on the floor (unless specifically indicated otherwise by the manufacturer)
- Never place anything on the heater
- Must be free of dust
- Don’t place by thermostat
- Leave three feet of clearance around the heater
- Plug directly into the wall outlet — no extension cords or power strips can be used
- Unplug when not attended
What kind of heater should I use?
- An electrically powered one
- Has an electrical cord in good condition
- Has either Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) and/or approved by Factory Mutual (FM) tags or labels
- Has a thermostat, which will shut off at desired temperature
- Does not have open elements (is convection or radiator type, NOT a radiant open element heater)
- Has a tip-over shutdown feature
For additional information, see the CPSC Safety Alert on Portable Electric Heaters to help keep yourself safe at work and home.
