As the days of winter get colder, many people turn to space heaters for extra warmth. When used correctly, they are a great source of heat, but not using them right may lead to burns and fires. A recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission showed space heaters caused more than 25,000 fires and more than 300 deaths. The report also found that more than 6,000 Americans a year receive emergency room care due to space heater related injuries.

Here are some safety tips on proper space heater use:

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture or other things that might catch fire (curtains, bedding, etc.)
• Don’t place heaters on carpets or rugs
• Place them on a hard, level surface where a child or pet can’t brush up against them
• Never leave a space heater on when an adult is not present in the room
• Never keep liquids that catch on fire easily nearby

The report also says that electric space heaters are the safest for use for indoor purposes. However, remember to plug them directly into a wall outlet and if an extension cord is needed, use a heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.

To read the full article, click here.

For more tips on space heater safety from the National Fire Protection Association, click here.