WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 - Most injuries from fires involving heating equipment occurred when the user was asleep or when a child under 10 was left unsupervised with the equipment, according to data released in September 2009, from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Portable electric heaters should be used according to the manufacturers' instructions so that injuries can be avoided.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) urges consumers to follow these simple and important safety tips when using portable electric heaters. These tips are also found online at www.heatersafety.org:
1. Read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels before using
your portable electric heater.
2. Do not leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug heater
when not in use.
3. Do not use your heater with a power strip or extension cord.
Overheating of a power strip or extension cord could result in a fire.
4. String out cords on top of area rugs or carpeting. Placing anything,
including furniture, on top of the cord may damage it.
5. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding,
papers, clothes and curtains at least three feet from the front of the
heater and away from the sides and rear. Do not block heater's air
intake or outlet.
6. Keep flammable materials, such as paint, gas cans and matches, away
from the heater.
7. Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, do not
use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by
moisture.
8. Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not
fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, the outlet
may need to be replaced. Check with a qualified electrician to replace
the outlet.
9. Unplug the heater when not in use by pulling the plug straight out from
the outlet. Inspect the heater's cord periodically. Do not use a heater
with a damaged cord.
10. Do not plug any other electrical device into the same outlet as your
heater. This could result in overheating.
11. Heaters should be kept away from children and not be placed in a
child's room without supervision.
12. Place heater on a level, flat surface. Only use heater on table tops
when specified by the manufacturer. Do not place your heater on
furniture. It could fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater.
AHAM's "Stay Safe! Top Tips for using your Portable Electric Heater Safely!" brochures are endorsed by the following safety groups: the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
You may order AHAM's free portable heater safety brochures in English and Spanish online at www.heatersafety.org or by calling (888) 785-SAFE. The Heater Safety Educator Tool Kit, which includes brochures, a coloring page and stickers for children, is available for purchase online at www.aham.org/safetyinfo. Stay warm, be smart and stay safe while enjoying your portable electric heater!
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