-
Ensure that the heater bears the mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, or ETL.
-
Make sure all heaters are at least three feet away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, curtains, furniture, and rugs.
-
Keep space heaters away from water. Check the manual to determine whether the heater is intended to be used in locations like bathrooms.
-
Avoid using space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock.
-
Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug them directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened circuit.
-
When plugging in a space heater, make sure that the circuit can adequately and safely handle the added demand.
-
Space heaters have hot parts that can cause sparking. Do not use them in areas where flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene are used or stored.
-
Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Do not use them to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
-
Turn off, unplug, and safely store portable space heaters when not in use.
-
Never remove the grounding feature on a plug by removing the third prong.
-
If you do not have a three-hole wall outlet, use an adapter to connect the heater’s three-prong plug.
-
Check the cord before plugging in the heater. If frayed, worn or damaged, then stop use immediately.
-
Keep space heaters 0ut of high-traffic and exit areas.
-
To prevent electrical shock, plug space heaters into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs should be used in any area where water may come in contact with electrical products.
-
Read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before using any space heater.
