Are electric heaters safe?
On One Hand: Consider Safety Features When BuyingElectric space heaters can be a safe and efficient way to heat a small area of your home if you follow safety precautions and stay within a close distance of them while they are in use. ConsumerReports.org recommends buying only heaters with updated safety features, such as an automatic shutoff or a tip-over switch. The heater should be the right size for the room because an oversized heater is a fire danger. A safe space heater should come with thermostat control and carry the mark of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which means it meets voluntary safety standards.On the Other: Properly Use the Electric HeaterMore than 25,000 fires happen in homes each year because of improper use of electric space heaters, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports. About 6,000 people are treated each year in emergency rooms for space heater injuries that are not related to fires. Most of these non-fire injuries occur because of misuse, the U.S
