Keep safety top of mind when using space heaters

The cold is here, and so is the annual battle to stay warm and comfortable in your home through the winter. To that end, space heaters are a popular appliance in many homes, but it’s critical to know the do’s and don’ts of using them safely.

• Do keep space heaters a minimum of three feet from anything that could catch fire (curtains, bed linens, furniture, etc.).
• Do have only space heaters that have a tip-over safety switch. With that, the unit will automatically shut off if it gets knocked over.
• Do turn space heaters off before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Do not use extension cords with space heaters. They should always be plugged directly into an outlet.
• Do not use space heaters anywhere they could get wet.
• Do not use a space heater if the cord or plug gets hot. They may feel warm during use, but they should never be hot.

It’s also a good idea to limit your use of space heaters simply because they can use a significant amount of energy, driving up your monthly bill. Get more helpful electric safety tips.