If you choose to use a portable space heater, how you use it can be the difference between life and death for your family. Portable space heaters are commonly used when the main heating system cannot adequately heat a home or when relying on central heating alone is considered too costly. But when improperly used, space heaters can carry a very high price – fires and the loss of life. Here are some of the essential safety precautions you need to use with space heaters to protect your family:

Always use a smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alarm whenever using a space heater.
Turn off portable heaters whenever leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. The three-foot safety zone includes furniture, drapes, and electronics – anything that can burn.