Space heaters represent a practical and affordable means to add heat to your home. But they only make sense if you observe all common-sense safety precautions, including these: 
- Choose a space heater that features a protective guard around the heating element to help prevent accidental harm to small children and pets.
- Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or comparable symbol of quality on the package. That tells you the product has been tested on rigorous conditions for your added peace of mind.
- To avoid overheating, choose a space heater that’s the right size for your room. If it’s too small, for example, not only can it overheat, but there’s also the risk of premature failure and an electrical fire.
- Electric space heaters don’t belong in wet or moist space, including your bathroom and possibly even your basement or garage. By taking that added precaution, you’ll help to prevent a fire or electric shock.
- Space heaters should never be plugged into an extension cord – only directly into an outlet. Again, overheating and electrical fire are the safety hazards you’re trying to prevent.
- It’s important to remember that space heaters warm up people and objects, not spaces. That means you should turn off a space heater each time you vacate that room.
- Here’s one more fire prevention tip: keep your space heater well away from bedding, window treatments, clothing, and anything else that could potentially catch on fire.
We know Connecticut winters can be especially cold, but please don’t ignore personal safety as you seek to add indoor warmth this or any cold-weather season.