Tips

Video: Warm up to space heater safety

When there’s a particularly bitter chill in the air during winter months, homeowners sometimes turn to portable heaters to add some extra warmth to their homes.

If you use a space heater, be vigilant about using them safely.

In 2010, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported home structure fires in the United States. These fires resulted in 490 deaths, 1,540 injuries and more than $1 billion in property damage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with space heaters. It is also estimated that 6,000 people receive care in hospital emergency rooms for burn injuries associated with space heaters.

Tips

Follow these space heater safety tips to ensure you don’t become a statistic:

• Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element. This will help keep children, pets and clothing away from the heat source.
• When selecting a space heater, look for a model that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters meet specific space heater safety standards. Manufacturers must provide important use and care information to consumers.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat.
• Show everyone in your home how to use the heater properly.
• Never leave a space heater running when you go to sleep or leave the area. With fuel-fired heaters, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can accumulate or unmonitored burning could cause a fire.
• Note that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment. Only use electric or vented fuel-fired heaters.

This article contains information and tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.