KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — With colder temperatures arriving, Kirksville Fire Department officials want to remind residents about using portable space heaters safely.
The devices are a popular way to heat single rooms or areas in a home, but each year, fires are caused by the misuse of them.
Here are some tips to remain safe and stay warm this season:
Only use a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord.Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including people.Use a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.Make sure the heater has an auto shut-off function if it tips over.Keep heaters out of the way of foot traffic and never block an exit.Heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to sleep.