KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – PORTABLE HEATER SAFETY

Kathleen Weaver Zech - Dean's Team Director of Buyers Agency Services These heaters can do wonders to take the chill out of a room or even warm entire spaces of your home. But choosing the right one for you and using it safely should be top priority. According to the Consumer Products Safety Council portable heaters cause 22 percent of all residential fires. While these units are safe there are a few tips to know.

Read and follow ALL instructions that come with the unit! These directions will show you the proper placement and uses for the heater you choose. Never use the heater in a wet location. Never place it on top of a chair or counter top. Keep the heater at least three feet away from any combustible materials such as drapes and blankets or furniture and walls. Avoid using extension cords. Undersized cords can be a fire hazard in themselves. Even properly rated cords are not advisable. You can read more information from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

Inside the home only electric heaters are recommended. Make sure all heaters are UL or ETL listed for safety testing. The most used heaters are filled with oil that heats up and gently releases the heat into the room. They come in baseboard and traditional radiator models. There is also a Parabolic heater available that actually heats objects in the room rather than the air.

Whichever unit you choose be careful and follow all directions. They should only be used with an adult present. Do not use while sleeping! There are electric blankets that can provide warmth while in bed.

Be warm and safe!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Posted: Tuesday December 01 2009 7:33 AM by Dean’s Team

Filed under: Kathy’s "Home & Garden" Tips!