Household Safety Tip

Household Safety Tip

ELECTRIC SPACE HEATER SAFETY

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Portable electric heaters, while seemingly harmless, are responsible for many fires annually. These heaters are not substitutes for central heating. Nor are they designed for extended use.

**Tips for improving Space Heater Safety: **

All types must be kept at least 36 inches from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.

Space heaters must not be left operating when you are not in the room, or when you go to sleep.

Children should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use. Make sure the heater has an element guard that prevents little fingers from straying onto hot coils.

Do not put drying clothing or combustibles over heaters.

Be certain your home wiring is designed to handle your space heater. If you have any doubts, contact a licensed electrician.

Make sure the heater has a 3-prong grounded plug and used in a 3-hole wall outlet.

Check for fraying or splitting wires, or overheating. Have problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater.

Make sure your space heater has an automatic switch that turns off the electric current if the unit is tipped over.