Warm up to space heater safety

With winter’s cold knocking on our doors, space heaters can be an easy way to add warmth to nearly any room in your home. But while they are convenient, space heaters can also prove dangerous if not used properly. Here are some safety tips to help ensure your family stays safe and warm this season.

• Only use space heaters that have a tip-over safety switch. This makes sure the unit powers off if knocked over.
• Always turn space heaters off before leaving home or going to bed.
• Space heaters must always be placed a minimum of three feet from anything that could catch fire (furniture, linens, curtains, etc.).
• Avoid placing space heaters anywhere they could be exposed to moisture.
• While a space heater’s cord and plug may feel warm, they should never get hot. If this happens, unplug it immediately.
• Never use extension cords with space heaters. They should always be plugged directly into outlets.

Also remember that while space heaters do provide quick warmth, they also use a lot of energy. To avoid driving up your monthly bill, try limiting your use of space heaters as much as possible. Learn more tips on electric safety.