Winters in the Central Valley bring damp tule fog and cold nights. A portable heater is an easy way to warm a bedroom or home office without heating the whole house. Follow these habits to stay safe.
Pick a heater with safety features
- Tip-over shut-off turns the heater off if it's knocked over.
- Overheat protection switches it off if it gets too hot.
- Cool-touch housing is a good idea with children or pets.
- Safety certification from UL, ETL or a similar lab.
Keep it clear
Leave at least three feet of open space around the heater, away from curtains, bedding, furniture and paper. Stand it on a flat, hard floor.
Use a wall outlet
- Plug directly into a wall outlet; never use an extension cord or power strip.
- Don't share the outlet with other high-power appliances.
- Check the cord and plug and stop using the heater if either is damaged.
Turn it off when you leave
Switch the heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. A timer or thermostat makes this easy.
Be prepared
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year and keep a fire blanket near the kitchen. Make sure everyone at home knows two ways out of every room.
Quick checklist
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep 3 feet of clear space | Dry clothes near the heater |
| Plug straight into the wall | Use extension cords or power strips |
| Switch off when you leave | Leave it running overnight |
| Test alarms monthly | Use a heater with a damaged cord |
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