Portable Electric Heaters Fire Safty

Portable Electric Heaters Fire Safety Recommendations

Estimates are that half the deaths and one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occur at night when family members are asleep and the heater unattended. The use of power or extension cords which can be too small to supply the amount of current required by the typical portable electric heater can also create a fire hazard.

Portable heaters, including space heaters, are the top cause of deaths in home heating equipment-related fires on average. Portable heater fires were responsible for about 100 of the total 240 estimated deaths each year associated with home heating equipment from 1999-2003.

• Operate heater away from combustible materials. Do not place heaters where towels or the like could fall on the appliance and trigger a fire.
• Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.
• Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.
• Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or the like.
• Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.

YES    NOPortable Electric Heaters Fire Safety Checklist

|_____|   |_____|The heater is operated at least three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other combustible materials.

|_____|   |_____|The extension cord (if used) is marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge (AWG).

|_____|   |_____|The heater is used on the floor.

|_____|   |_____|The heater is turned off when family members leave the house or are sleeping.