PORTABLE HEATERS ... A CONVENIENCE OR A KILLER?

When we think of portable heaters, we think of convenience and energy saving. What we should also be thinking about, says the Brunswick Fire Department, are fires and burns. Heating fires are the second largest cause of home fires in this country and many are caused by portable heating devices. Many hospital emergency rooms and burn care units report thousands of serious burns yearly due to contact with portable heaters. Unfortunately, many of these burn victims are children who suffer pain and perhaps disfigurement as a result. Follow these safety rules this winter:

• Use only those space heaters with safety devices that cut off automatically if tipped over.
• Purchase and use only those heaters with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label indicating that model has been tested for safety.
• Don't plug in any electric heater until you have checked the appliance cord for frayed or worn spots. If necessary, replace the heater or have an electrician repair the cord. Do not cover the cord with tape yourself. It's too risky.
• Keep all heaters away from drapes, papers, furniture and other flammable items.
• Avoid using extension cords with heaters. If you must, use a heavy duty type capable of handling the load. Too small a cord can start a fire.
• Do not place electric heaters near sinks, tubs, showers or other containers of water.
• Keep children and pets away from heaters.
• Turn heaters off when you go to bed or before you leave the house. It doesn't make sense to lose your possessions or your life to save energy.
• Don't try to heat an entire room with a portable heater. Focus the heat in the direction you need it.
• Use only 1 K kerosene (clear like water) in kerosene heaters. Do not use yellow or contaminated kerosene. Fill outside. Never use gasoline, or any other flammable liquid in a kerosene heater. Provide ventilation when using.