- Choose an open place for your heater. That means that you don't want to set it next to any bedding that could end up touching it and causing a fire. You also want to avoid placing the heater underneath anything that could fall down on it. A nice open space will ensure that nothing accidentally rubs up against the heater.
- Use only a heavy-duty extension cord for your space heater if the regular cord cannot reach the outlet. If you do decide to use an extension cord, do not run it under a rug to hide it. This is a fire hazard. Also, make sure the cord is only plugged in when you plan on using it. Some remote controls have been known to turn on some electric heaters and you don't want it running when you are not aware of it.
- Look for a space heater that offers a guard to cover the heating element. This is very important if you have small children or pets. You don't want them sticking their fingers in the space heater and getting a severe burn. Check to make sure that the guard doesn't get hot to the touch because there is no point in having a guard if it also gets hot enough to burn your child or pet.
- Unplug the space heater in your bedroom before you go to sleep at night. Run the heater in your room for one hour before you want to go to bed to get it nice and toasty. Then turn it off and unplug it. Consider using extra blankets to keep warm during the night so that you are not at risk of having a fire start in the middle of the night.
- Install a fire extinguisher in the room you plan on using the space heater. This is a precaution in case the space heater were to catch on fire. Your local fire department can show you how to use a fire extinguisher if you ask them. You will also need to install a carbon monoxide detector if you use a gas space heater. If the space heater malfunctions you may not even know that the carbon monoxide is in the air. Carbon monoxide can kill you if you don't get out of the house. The detector will alert you if necessary.
