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Select
a space heater with a guard around the flame area or heating
element. Place
the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on
rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes.
Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding,
drapes, furniture, or other flammable materials.
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Choose
a space heater that has been tested and certified by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters meet
specific safety standards.
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Keep
doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an
un-vented fuel-burning space heater.
This helps prevent pollutant build-up and promotes
proper combustion. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions to provide sufficient
combustion air to prevent CO production.
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Never
leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.
Never place a space heater close to any sleeping
person.
-
Turn
the space heater off if you leave the area.
Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
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Have
a smoke detector with fresh batteries on each level of the
house and a carbon monoxide detector outside your sleeping
area.
-
Be
aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating
equipment. Only
electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used.
-
Have gas and kerosene
space heaters inspected annually.
