Winter is here, and even in our islands we have chilly winds and cooler temperatures. To help keep yourself warm, you might decide to use a portable space heater. If so, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

• When purchasing a heater, check to make sure it bears the mark of a certified testing laboratory, such as UL, ETL, or CSA, which indicates samples of the product have met strict safety standards. 
• Inspect the heater’s cord to check for frayed wire or damaged insulation. Do not use a space heater with a damaged cord.
• Avoid plugging a space heater into an extension cord, but if one is necessary, use a heavy-duty cord that is appropriate for the wattage of the heater.
• Use an outlet adapter if you do not have a 3-hole outlet for the heater’s 3-prong plug. Make sure the adapter’s ground wire or tab is attached to the outlet’s ground. Never remove the grounding prong (third prong) on the heater’s plug.
• Place the space heater at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.
• Do not leave the heater operating while it is unattended or while you are sleeping and unplug it when you leave for the day.
• Keep portable electric heaters away from water and never touch an electric heater if you are wet. Unless the heater is designed for use in bathrooms or outdoors, do not use it in damp or wet areas.
• Never run the heater’s cord under a rug or carpeting.
• Warn children to never insert their fingers or objects through the heater’s protective guard. They could be burned or receive an electric shock.   

For more information, go to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website: www.cpsc.gov.