Stay Safe While Using Space Heaters

(Undated) — Space heaters can provide extra warmth in a drafty room or chilly home office. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says if you rely on a portable heater for supplemental heat, it’s important to make space heater safety a priority. You are reminded to place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. These appliances are intended to sit on the floor, not on a table. Establish a “3-foot kid- and pet-free zone” around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child’s room. Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains. Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed, and unplug the heater when it’s not in use. You are also reminded to install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and test them monthly.