Space heaters can pose fire danger
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It seems that pretty much every winter somebody in Southern California makes the deadly mistake of trying to heat up his house with a charcoal barbecue and asphyxiates himself and/or his family.
Even space heaters can cause fire or electric shock if improperly used. The National Fire Protection Assn. reports there are about 3,000 portable heater fires annually.
Here are some safety tips for consumers when using portable electric heaters, compiled by the Assn. of Home Appliance Manufacturers, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Underwriters Laboratories and the Electrical Safety Foundation International:
-- Do not leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug heater when not in use. -- Do not use your heater with a power strip or extension cord. Overheating of a power strip or extension cord could result in a fire. -- Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes and curtains at least 3 feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear. Do not block heater’s air intake or outlet.-- Keep flammable materials, such as paint, gas cans and matches, away from the heater.-- Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, DO NOT use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by moisture. -- Heaters should be kept away from children and not be placed in a child’s room without supervision.-- Place heater on a level, flat surface. Only use heater on table tops when specified by the manufacturer. DO NOT place your heater on furniture. It could fall, disÂlodging or breaking parts in the heater.
More safety tips are available at the Assn. of Home Appliance Manufacturers website. Be careful out there.
-- Lauren Beale
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