Space Heater Safety Checklist

25 items · Home · Easy difficulty · 30 min

Set up a space heater safely: placement, the 3 foot clear zone, wall outlets only, shut-off features, fuel heaters and the alarms to test.

• Check for a safety certification label

  Look for a mark from a recognized testing lab, such as UL, ETL or CSA, on the heater or its box.

• Confirm it has a tip-over switch and overheat shut-off

  If an older heater is missing either one, replacing it is the safer choice.

• Read the manual's warnings, or download a copy if it is lost
• Vacuum the dust off the grille and vents
• Inspect the cord and plug for cracks, fraying or scorch marks

  A damaged cord means the heater is done. Do not tape it up.

• Pick a spot on a flat, hard floor

  Keep it off rugs and carpet, and off tables, chairs and shelves.

• Clear 3 feet on every side

  That means curtains, bedding, sofas, paper, clothes and anything else that can burn.

• Keep it out of walkways and doorways
• Plug it directly into a wall outlet

  No extension cords and no power strips.

• Leave the cord out in the open, not under a rug
• Avoid running another big appliance on the same outlet
• Use it in a bathroom only if the manual says it is made for one
• Set a 3 foot no-go zone for children and pets
• Never dry clothes or towels on the heater
• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep
• Touch the plug after an hour of running

  If the plug or outlet is hot, stop using the heater until the outlet is checked.

• For a kerosene or propane heater, check that local rules allow it indoors

  Some cities and states restrict unvented fuel-burning heaters.

• Use only the fuel the maker names
• Refuel outdoors, after the heater has cooled
• Follow the manual's ventilation instructions
• Never bring a heater marked for outdoor use inside

  That includes patio heaters, and any camping heater whose label says outdoor use only.

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm if any heater or appliance in the home burns fuel
• Test the smoke alarms on every floor and outside the bedrooms
• Never heat the home with an oven or a gas stove
• Store the heater dry and covered when winter ends

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