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Stay Safe and Warm
Do not let your efforts to stay warm put your safety at risk. Space heaters, electric blankets and heating pads can help keep you comfortable, but they can also be dangerous when used incorrectly.
These devices are not appropriate for all people or all situations. Used safely and in the right circumstances, they can provide extra warmth and may help save energy and money.
Before use
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any space heater, electric blanket or heating pad.
• Choose products with a safety certification, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check cords, plugs and fabric for damage, frays, scorch marks or worn spots.
• Do not use damaged, worn or older heating products. Replace them.
• Plug heating devices directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
Space heater safety
• Space heaters should only be used for supplemental heat in small areas. Do not use space heaters to warm your entire home. Your home heating system will heat large areas more efficiently and safely.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including blankets, clothing, paper, curtains, furniture and bedding.
• Place space heaters on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface.
• Do not place space heaters on carpet, furniture, countertops or tables.
• Keep space heaters out of high-traffic areas and doorways.
• Choose a space heater with guards around heating elements.
• Use a space heater that automatically shuts off if it tips over or overheats.
• Turn space heaters off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Electric blanket safety
• Electric blankets are designed to provide warmth, not to replace home heating.
• Keep electric blankets flat when in use. Do not fold, bunch or tuck them under a mattress.
• Do not place heavy items, additional blankets, pets or people on top of an electric blanket while it is on.
• Do not allow pets to sleep on electric blankets.
• Do not use an electric blanket with a heating pad.
• Do not use an electric blanket that has damaged wiring, hot spots, scorch marks or unusual smells.
Heating pad safety
Heating pads can provide targeted warmth, but they can also cause burns or start a fire if they overheat or are used incorrectly.
• Use heating pads only as directed by the manufacturer.
• Do not sleep with a heating pad turned on.
• Do not place a heating pad under your body, under a pillow or under bedding.
• Do not fold, bunch or sit on a heating pad.
• Do not place anything on top of a heating pad while it is in use.
• Do not use a heating pad with an electric blanket or other heated bedding.
• Use the lowest comfortable heat setting and limit use to the recommended time.
• Do not use a heating pad on infants, young children, people who are sleeping or anyone who may not be able to feel heat or pain normally.
• Stop using a heating pad immediately if it feels too hot, smells unusual, sparks, discolors or shows signs of damage.
Safe use reminders
• Plug heating products directly into a wall outlet — not a power strip or extension cord.
• Keep heating products dry and away from water.
• Turn off and unplug heating devices when they are not in use.
• If a product sparks, smokes or overheats, stop using it immediately.