Space Heaters Are Warm, But Can Be Dangerous

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) consumers are not using care when purchasing and using space heaters. Approximately 21,800 residential fires are caused by space heaters a year and 300 people die in these fires.

If you have a space heater, please review the listed safety tips and do your part in helping to reduce fires and deaths caused by space heaters. 

• Read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

• Choose a space heater that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat.

• Choose models that have automatic safety switches that turn off the unit if it is tipped over accidentally.

• Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or heating element. Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture or other flammable materials.

• Never use an unvented fuel burning space heater.

• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.

• Turn the space heater off if you leave the area.

• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Children should not be permitted to either adjust the controls or move the heater.

• Do not hang items to dry above or on the heater.

• Keep all heaters out of high traffic and exit areas.

• Keep portable electric heaters away from sinks, tubs and other wet or damp places to avoid deadly electric shocks.

Should you have questions regarding space heater safety or other safety topics, please contact the Public Education Office at 414-228-0292, jglanz@nsfire.org, or visit our website at www.nsfire.org