Keep Safe Using Electric Blankets, Space Heaters

When the temperatures drop, you might reach for an electric blanket or even a space heater to supplement your main heating unit.

Make sure you stay safe by following these tips from Electrical Safety Foundation International:

• Never leave any space heater or electric blanket on and unattended. Unplug when not in use.
• Replace any worn or old electric bed and lap blankets. Look for dark, charred, and frayed areas on the blanket and check the cord for cracking and fraying.
• Do not allow anything on top of an electric blanket when it is in use. When covered by anything, including other blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat.
• Never fold electric blankets when in use. Folded or tucked-in blankets could overheat and cause a fire.
• More than 65,000 home fires are linked to heating equipment each year. Make sure your space heater has a label from a recognized testing laboratory.
• Like with blankets, check your space heater for cracked or broken plugs. Don’t use the heater if it is worn or damaged.
• Keep children and pets away from your space heater, and turn it off when you go to sleep.
• Place space heaters away from high-traffic areas and doorways. Also, keep them 3 feet away from anything that could burn such as paper, clothing, and rugs.
• Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip to avoid overheating. Do not plug any other electric devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Do not place them on cabinets, tables, furniture or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.