Brrrr.... Be Careful with Your Space Heater!

When Winter hits, we pull our space heaters out of storage, grab all the blankets from the closet, and hunker down for what's sure to be a bitterly cold few months. But we often forget that our portable heaters are also a very serious fire hazard.

Here are some things to think about when buying a space heater and using it in your home or office.

• Keep the heater far away (at least 3 ft.) from combustible materials such as newspaper, bedding, blankets, pillows, clothing, drapes, or furniture.
• Keep it on level ground so it doesn't tip over. Keep it out of high traffic areas where it could get knocked over. 
• Do not leave it on while you are out of the home, or when you sleep. Its tempting but don't risk it.
• Avoid plugging the heater into an extension cord. Ideally the heater is plugged directly into the wall.
• Keep the heater away from the bathroom or any source of water.
• When buying a heater, only purchase newer models that have an overheat protection featured, tip over switch, and a guard around the heating element. 
• Buy a heater that has a label showing it was tested in a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Many older heaters aren't tested for safety.
• If you're going to use a kerosene heater (which are more dangerous), do NOT use gasoline in it. Also do not use a propane heater inside.

And while you're at it, check the batteries in your smoke detectors.

 Be safe, stay warm, and we'll see you in May after hibernation time is over.