According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric space heaters. InkFreeNews file photo.

Staff Report

WARSAW —  As the weather gets colder, many people turn to portable space heaters to help stay warm.

While space heaters may help with providing additional warmth for small areas, they also pose burn and fire hazards.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two in five deaths in space heater fires involve portable electric space heaters.

Based on 2014-2018 annual averages, the NFPA found that most home heating fire deaths (81%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.

If you plan to use a space heater this winter, please follow these tips and recommendations for electric portable space heater safety from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.

• Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including people.

• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.

• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.

• Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.

• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.

• Keep children away from the space heater.

• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.

• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.