Using a Space Heater Safely
Portable space heaters are responsible for an average of 1,700 house
fires a year, resulting in 80 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you rely on a portable heater
during Florida's cooler months, it's important to make space heater
safety a priority. Following are tips for safe space heater operation.
• Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface.
• 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.
• Unplug the heater when it's not in use by pulling the plug straight
from the outlet-don't use the heater if the cord is frayed or worn.
• Don't plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the
same outlet as a heater-that can cause overheating.
• A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it
overheats is a must. You'll also want a tip-over switch that does the
same if the heater is knocked over.
• Most space heaters come with a cord that's 6-feet long. To prevent
overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an
electric heater.