It may seem like common sense but it never hurts to refresh your safety knowledge when your home and family are on the line.  

Electric space heaters can help warm a room quickly. However, they can be as dangerous as convenient if used improperly. LPEA urges everyone in the home to understand the importance of using space heaters safely: 

• Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL approved. Make sure the unit has an emergency tip-over shut-off feature and heating element guards. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care. 

• Before using a space heater, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition. 

• Make sure the heater is clean and in good condition. 

• Place the heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture, or countertops. 

• Space heaters have one purpose —to provide supplemental heating. Never use them to thaw pipes, cook food, or dry clothing or towels. 

• Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet from combustible liquids, like fuel, spray cans, paint, and flammable items such as draperies, blankets, and sofas. 

• Never allow pets or children near an electric heater. Accidental contact can cause serious shock or burns. 

• Do not overload circuits. Never use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space heater and make sure not to plug the unit into the same circuit as other electric appliances. 

• If your space heater is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and it trips, don’t assume there is something wrong with the GFCI. Immediately stop using the heater until a professional can check it— if not, a serious shock can occur. 

• Never leave space heaters unattended. Turn off your space heater and unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed. 

• Replace older space heaters with newer, safer models. 

Many people also use electric blankets to keep warm during cold winter nights. Before plugging in electric blankets, check for any damage and inspect cords for frays, cracks, or cuts. Do not tuck electric blankets under the mattress and place nothing on top of the blanket while it’s in use, including comforters and bedspreads. Don’t allow pets to sleep on electric blankets.