Are You Warming Up With Space Heaters?
As the temperature drops, many families may use portable electric space heaters to help warm their Baton Rouge homes. The Electrical Safety Foundation International warns that space heaters could cause fires and injuries if not used properly. Follow these few simple precautions.
- Read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before using any space heater. Check to make sure the heater bears the mark of a certified testing organization.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs.
- Keep space heaters away from areas with water. Check your manual to be sure the heater is intended to be used in locations such as bathrooms.
- Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or chock.
- Avoid using an extension cord with a space heater. If you must use one, make sure it is the right wire gauge size and type of the heater.
- Portable heaters have hot parts that can cause sparking. Do not use them in areas where flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene are used or stores.
- Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Do not use them to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
- Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug directly into an outlet on a relatively unburdened circuit.
- Turn off the space heater and unplug it when not in use.
This article was provided by the Electrical Safety Foundation . The mission of the Electrical Safety Foundation is to advance and improve electrical safety at home and at work. May is National Electrical Safety month, and many begin their electrical safety awareness efforts in May. But the focus on electrical safety should continue, 365 days a year.
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