Guide · Safety and emergencies

Space Heater Safety

A friendly, practical guide to using space heaters safely, from the three-foot rule and the right outlet to automatic shutoffs and carbon monoxide.

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Where to start

Smells, sparks or smoke?
Turn it off and unplug it if you can do so safely. If there is smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911 from outside. See what to do.
Setting one up tonight?
Tick through warm and safe habits before you turn it on.
Using several heaters because rooms are cold?
That usually means the main heat needs attention. Share it in writing so it can be fixed.

The short version

A space heater can make a chilly room cozy, and a few simple habits keep it from becoming dangerous.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away, and turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, choose models with automatic shutoff, and never use the oven to heat the home.

If a heater sparks, smells or smokes, turn it off, get out if there is fire, and share it right away.

Rules about heat and heaters differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.

Four simple rules

1
Three feet of space
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a space heater, as the U.S. Fire Administration recommends.
2
Off when you leave or sleep
Turn space heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
3
Plug straight into the wall
Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
4
Choose safety features
Pick heaters with automatic tip-over and overheat shutoff, listed by a recognized testing laboratory.

Try it

Warm and safe habits

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

0 of 7

Beds, curtains, clothing, papers and furniture at least three feet from the heater
Heater on a hard, level floor, away from walkways where it could be knocked over
Plugged directly into a wall outlet, with the cord and plug checked for heat or damage
Turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to sleep
Children and pets kept at least three feet away
Smoke alarms working on every level and near sleeping areas
A main heating system that isn’t keeping the home warm shared in writing

If a heater smells, sparks or smokes

Take a breath. Turn the heater off and unplug it if you can do so safely.
If there is smoke or flames, get everyone out, close the door behind you, and call 911 from outside.
If a fuel burning heater is in use and anyone feels headachy, dizzy or sick, get everyone into fresh air and call 911.
Don’t use a heater again if it sparked, smelled of burning or has a damaged cord or plug.
Take photos of the heater, the outlet and any scorch marks.
Share what happened in writing right away, especially if the outlet or wiring may be involved.

You did exactly the right thing.

Please never do these

Please don’t use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater.
Please don’t dry clothes or shoes on or near a heater.
Please don’t use the oven or stove to heat the home.
Please don’t use a fuel burning heater indoors unless it is designed and vented for indoor use.

For owners: before the cold season

Have the main heating system checked and serviced before cold weather, by a qualified professional.
Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working.
Check outlets and wiring in rooms where heaters are likely to be used, and repair warm or loose outlets.
Seal drafts around windows and doors so rooms stay warmer without extra heaters.
Share simple space heater safety tips with residents, and say which types are allowed under the lease.

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in, one topic at a time, to help any home stay warm, safe and dry through every season.

See The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook All books in The Perfect Series

Keep the full guide handy

The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.

Download the PDF

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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal, medical or safety-code advice. Please follow the maker’s instructions and use qualified professionals for heating and electrical work. Bunklow does not inspect properties or make repairs.