As cold weather creeps in, you may be thinking about bringing out your space heater and where to set it up. That means being careful -- for all their usefulness, space heaters are one of the leading causes of fires in American homes. Mistakes can easily lead to increased fire risks, especially depending on where you put the heater.
So while you're trying to keep your toes warm in a cold room, remember these rules for where to never put a space heater, and why these spots lead to preventable fires in the home.
Read more: The Best Space Heaters
Space heaters, even those with tip-over safeguards, don't belong on rugs. Getty Images
1. On a carpet, rug or flammable surface
Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.
What if you have only carpet in a cold room? You can look for a ceramic or otherwise heatproof base to position under the heater. It must be larger than the heater itself by around 3 inches on every side.
2. Near walls and furniture
Your space heater needs a safety zone: Keep it at least 3 feet away from any walls or furniture to avoid burning hazards. Unfortunately, this also means that under your desk or dining table is a no-go. Try to aim space heaters toward these areas instead of putting heaters directly under them.
3. Near blankets, pillows or curtains
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