Tested and certified

• Choose a heater that is nationally recognized and tested by a certified laboratory. These heaters meet safety standards. Manufacturers are also required to provide the consumer with information on the use and care of the space heater.
  
  

Size

• Space heaters are made to heat the room it is in, so buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The wrong size heater could produce more pollutants and may also not be an efficient use of energy.
  
  

Placement

• Place heaters at least 3 feet from flammable objects like clothing, curtains, furniture, bedding and garbage cans. Be aware and move any articles that can fall on top of a space heater, like clothing or towels hanging on a chair. Never use a space heater to dry clothes or shoes. Be sure to place space heaters on a hard, non-material surface to avoid overheating and a potential fire.
  
  

Extension cords

• Due to the high amount of electrical current space heaters require, it is best not to use an extension cord. The high heat could melt the cord and start a fire. If you absolutely need an extension cord, be sure that it is marked with a power rating as high or higher than that of the heater. Keep the cord stretched out and do not lay it under rugs or carpets.
  
  

Children and pets

• The surface of a space heater can get very hot when in use. Children and pets often don't take precaution on their own to stay away from a space heater. To prevent burns, place a guard or purchase a space heater that already has a guard on it that will keep little hands, paws or clothing away from any flame or strong heat. Do not let children adjust controls or move the heater for any reason.
  
  

Ventilation

• Be sure your space heater has enough ventilation to prevent build-up of pollutants. Turn off a space heater whenever you are not using it. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could accumulate in a room or cause a fire when the heater is left unattended. It is a requirement that mobile homes have specially designed electric or vented fuel-fired heating equipment. Remember to inspect your space heaters annually, especially gasoline and kerosene warmers, and to keep them clean. Space heaters not working properly can release harmful, even fatal pollutants in the air.
  
  

Tips and warning

• Always turn off a space heater when you go to sleep. It can inadvertently be knocked over or get too hot and cause a fire. There are space heaters available that turn off automatically when knocked over. Do not use a space heater if a part is missing or it is not working properly. And be sure your smoke alarms work, just in case.
  
  Take the use of space heater safety seriously. The National Fire Protection Association reported that space heaters are the second-highest cause of fire in the home and 73 percent of home fire deaths are caused by a space heater.