Space Heater Safety: A Simple Checklist Before You Plug In

Space heaters are handy. They're also responsible for a large share of home heating fires every winter, according to fire safety groups like the National Fire Protection Association. The good news: almost all of those fires come down to a few avoidable mistakes.

Whatever kind of heater you use, follow these rules.

Before you buy

• Look for a safety certification mark from a recognized testing lab, such as UL, ETL or CSA. It means the design was tested to a safety standard.
• Choose automatic shut-off features. Overheat protection turns the unit off if it gets too hot. Floor heaters should also have tip-over protection.
• Read the manual. It tells you where the heater can and can't be used, and how much clearance it needs.

Where to put it

• Keep it at least 3 feet from anything that can burn: curtains, bedding, furniture, clothing, paper and rugs.
• Keep it out of walkways so no one trips over it or its cord.
• Floor heaters go on a hard, level, non-flammable surface, not on a rug, bed or table, unless the manual says otherwise.
• Keep it away from water, unless it's specifically rated for bathrooms.

How to plug it in

• Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Don't use extension cords or power strips. They can overheat.
• Don't share the outlet with other high-power devices.
• Check the plug and cord. If the plug feels hot, or the cord is damaged, stop using it.

While it's running

• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep, unless the manufacturer says the unit is designed for unattended use.
• Keep kids and pets away from it.
• Never use it to dry clothes or thaw pipes.
• Make sure your smoke alarms work. Test them monthly.

The bottom line

A space heater is only as safe as how you use it. Follow the checklist every time, and keep the manual handy.