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Home » Outage Management » GVEC Storm Center » Be Cool with Electric Heaters

Be Cool with Electric Heaters

Space heaters are meant to provide supplemental heat, not to replace your home’s heating system. In fact, if used incorrectly, space heaters can post fire and burn risks.

Follow these safety rules when using your portable electric heater:

  • Read and follow the manufacturer’s warnings and the use and care guidelines before using a space heater.
  • Space heaters need space. Keep them at least 3 feet away from any combustible material such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture, and rugs.
  • Never use space heaters around unsupervised children and pets.
  • Always turn the heater off and unplug it when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Plug space heaters directly into an outlet; do not use an extension cord.
  • Electric space heaters use a lot of electricity. Plug your heater into a circuit with as little else on it as possible.
  • Space heaters should be used only for supplemental heat. Don’t use them to dry clothing, cook food, thaw pipes, or warm bedding.

This information is provided as a general reference only and is subject to change without notice.