| During the cold winter months, many | | | | going to bed for the night. |
| homeowners and renters turn to efficient and | | | | - Pets and children should be carefully supervised |
| easy-to-use space heaters to provide | | | | around space heaters. These appliances get very |
| supplemental heat, heat rooms that are normally | | | | hot, and children or pets can easily be burned |
| not heated, and provide warmth when the power | | | | severely. |
| goes out. While these space heaters can provide | | | | - Carefully check all electric space heaters or signs |
| many hours of comfort, there are some dangers | | | | of frayed wires, broken wires, overheating or |
| that everyone needs to be aware of. Using space | | | | frayed insulation. If any problems are found the |
| heaters safely is not difficult, but it is important to | | | | heater should not be used until the problem has |
| gather the knowledge needed to avoid common | | | | been fixed by a professional. |
| problems with these appliances. | | | | - When buying a new space heater, be sure to |
| Some of the most critical tips for keeping the | | | | look for built in safety features such as heating |
| home and family safe when space heaters are in | | | | element guards and automatic shutoff features. |
| use include: | | | | - When adding fuel to a fuel powered space |
| - Make sure that all space heaters are placed a | | | | heater, always allow the heater to cool |
| minimum of three feet from anything that could | | | | completely before adding additional fuel. If any fuel |
| be flammable | | | | is spilled, be sure to wipe it up thoroughly and |
| - Never lay clothes or any other materials on top | | | | immediately. |
| of a space heater. It can be tempting to dry | | | | - If considering a kerosene heater, be sure to |
| clothes, socks or shoes near a space heater, but | | | | check with the local fire company first. Many |
| those materials could easily catch fire. | | | | municipalities do not allow such heaters in their |
| - Never use space heaters for anything other | | | | communities. |
| than providing supplemental heat. Using space | | | | - Try to avoid using an extension cord with a |
| heaters to cook food, thaw frozen water pipes | | | | electric space heater. If such a cord must be |
| or any other purpose for which they are not | | | | used, be sure to choose an industrial strength |
| intended is dangerous. | | | | cord and make sure you use the right gauge size |
| - Use only the proper fuel for fuel burning space | | | | for the heater. |
| heater. Kerosene heaters are designed to burn | | | | These tips, along with the user guide and |
| only kerosene, not any other kind of fuel. | | | | instructions that will accompany any heater you |
| - Turn off all space heaters when the room is | | | | buy will ensure that you keep your family and |
| empty, and turn off all space heaters before | | | | your home safe. |