• Electric Space Heater fires cause over 160 deaths per year.

• Property losses from electric space heater fires cost approximately 50 million dollars annually.

• Make sure that you have the right wiring and outlets with sufficient voltage.
• Keep combustibles at least three (3) feet away from heaters.
• Check for frayed wires, blown fuses. Replace immediately.

• Never use your electric space heater near water, in a bathroom or damp basement.
• Unplug your electric space heater when not in use.  Don't overload your wiring.

• Give your space heater plenty of space.

• Buy only heaters with Underwriter Laboratories safety listing
• Check the safety features: does it shut off automatically if tipped over?
• Do the grill, cover or sides ever become too hot to handle?
• Is the grill designed to keep heating elements out of reach of children's fingers or toys?

Do look for a thermostat control that shuts down if the heater gets too hot and a tip-over switch that turns off the heater if it is knocked over. Decide which type of heater best suits your space needs.