Space Heater Safety

CPSC offers the following general suggestions for selection, safe use, and maintenance of gas, wood, kerosene and electric space heaters.

• Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating element.
• Look for a heater that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions. Make sure that everyone in the household understands how to operate the heater safely.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Do not permit your children to adjust the controls or move the heater.
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an un-vented fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion.
• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the area.
• Never use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline) around a space heater. The flammable vapors can flow from one part of the room to another and be ignited by the open flame or by an electrical spark.
• Be aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment. Only electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture, and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
• Be certain your heater is placed on a level, hard, and non-flammable surface, not on rugs or carpets.
• Keep the heater in a safe working condition. Replace missing guards and controls at once. Never operate a defective heater. Have all necessary repairs done by qualified repairpersons.
• Equip your home with at least one smoke alarm and one carbon monoxide detector on each floor and outside sleeping areas.
• Keep at least one dry-powder operative, ABC-type fire extinguisher in the home at all times.
• Develop a fire escape plan before a fire occurs.