Space heater safety tips: Keep your Austin home safe this winter

Turning up the cozy levels — and the temperature — can come with risks. Here are best practices to warm your home safely this season.

Space heaters should only be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use extension cords or power strips, as they pose a fire hazard.

With winter weather on its way to Austin, you may be tempted to introduce a space heater to your home.

Before you do, you should know that turning up the cozy levels can also come with risks. Heating is the second leading cause of house fires in the U.S., and according to the U.S. Fire Administration, fixed and portable space heaters are involved in 74% of fire-related deaths.

Here are best practices to keep in mind before you hit the 'on' switch.

Space heater safety tips

• Purchase a space heater with an automatic shut-off option in the event it falls over.
• Read warning labels and instructions carefully before use.
• Inspect heaters for cracked components, broken plugs or loose connections. Do not use if frayed, worn or damaged.
• Always place the heater on a hard, level and nonflammable surface; never place on tables, cabinets, furniture or carpet.
• Keep heater at least 3 feet away from rugs, carpets, drapes, bedding and other flammable materials.
• Don't place the heater in a high-traffic area, such as a doorway, to prevent a tripping hazard.
• Make sure to plug your electrical space heater directly into the wall; never use an extension cord or power strip, as they can overheat and start a fire.
• Don’t plug other devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Don’t allow children or pets to get too close to the heater.
• Space heaters should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
• Never leave a heater unattended. Always turn it off before you leave a room or go to sleep.
• Unplug the heater when not in use.
• Maintain working smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them once per month.