A Space Heater Safety Checklist for Cold Nights

A small heater can take the chill out of a home office or a drafty bedroom without cranking up the whole house. Heating equipment is also one of the leading causes of home fires in the colder months, so a few habits make a big difference. Print this list or save it to your phone.

Before you plug it in

• Choose a heater that is listed by a recognized testing lab such as UL, ETL or CSA. Look for the mark on the unit or the box.
• Prefer models with tip-over shut-off and overheat protection.
• Inspect the cord and plug. Do not use a heater with a frayed, cracked or hot cord.

Where it goes

• Keep at least three feet of clear space on every side. That means away from curtains, bedding, sofas, clothing, paper and rugs.
• Set it on a hard, flat, level floor. Never on a table, a dresser, a carpet pile or a bed.
• Keep it out of walkways so nobody trips over it or the cord.
• Keep kids and pets at a safe distance and never leave them alone with a running heater.

How to power it

• Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Avoid extension cords and power strips, which can overheat.
• Do not run the cord under rugs or furniture.
• Use one heater per outlet and do not share that outlet with other high-power appliances.

While it runs

• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Do not use it to dry clothes or warm blankets.
• If the plug or outlet feels hot, unplug it and have the outlet checked.

Back-up plan

• Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test them monthly.
• Add carbon monoxide alarms if you have any fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
• Keep a fire blanket or a suitable extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
• Agree on two ways out of every room and a meeting spot outside.

Warm and safe is not hard. It is mostly space, a good outlet and an off switch. For more guidance, check the resources from your local fire department.