by Marcy Kennedy

Created on: January 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2011

Convenient, portable, and inexpensive, space heaters often seem like the perfect solution to stave off winter's chill. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters cause 25,000 house fires, 300 deaths, and 6000 burn injuries every year. To keep your home and family safe, follow this space heater checklist. Some guidelines apply to all space heaters, while others deal specifically with electric, gasoline, or kerosene heaters.

• Purchase a heater that has been certified to meet safety standards by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Chose a space heater with a guard in order to keep flammable objects, children, and pets away from the dangerous heating element or flame.

• Follow the operating instructions provided by the manufacturer on the heater and in the owner's manual. Although you may not understand why they prohibit or suggest certain things, their guidelines are written with your safety in mind.

• Set up the heater at least three feet from curtains, furniture, and bedding and where objects (for example, hanging clothes or towels) will not fall on it.

• Place the heater on a level, non-flammable surface rather than on carpets or rugs.

• Remove all flammable liquids (e.g. kerosene, gasoline) from the room where your space heater will operate since flammable vapors travel through the air.

• Do not use heaters to dry wet shoes or clothes, including mittens or scarves.

• Turn your space heater off when you go to bed or leave the room. Not only could an unattended space heater be knocked over by a pet or overheat, but also levels of carbon monoxide could build to a hazardous level.

• Have any broken or breaking parts fixed immediately by a certified repair person.

• Do not use extension cords with your electric space heater. If you must use an extension cord, choose a heavy-duty marked #14 or #12 AWG (indicating the thickness of the wire).

• Do not run the cord for your heater underneath carpets or rugs as it may cause the cord to overheat and short-circuit.

• Use an outlet to plug in your electric space heater where the plug fits snugly. A loose plug can overheat.

• Occasionally place your hand on the plug and cord to check the heat. They may feel warm to the touch but should not feel hot. If they feel hot, unplug immediately.

• Refuel your heater outside if using gasoline or kerosene.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>