nn Tips On Portable Electric Heater Safety (NAPSA)—Portable electric heaters can warm you up in cold weather or provide extra heat to your house. However, if not used properly, they can bea fire or electric shock hazard. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) offers these tips for safely using your portable electric heater: Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels before using your heater. Do not leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug the heater when not in use. Do not use your heater with a powerstrip or extension cord. Overheating of a power strip or exten- sion cord could result in fire. String out cords on top of area rugs or carpeting. Placing anything, including furniture, on top of the cord may damageit. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes, curtains, paint, gas cans and matches, at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear. Do not block the heater’s air intake or exhaust source. Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, do not use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by moisture. Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be re- placed. Check with a qualified electrician to replace the outlet. Unplug the heater when not Heaters should be kept away from children and not be placed ina child’s room without supervision. in use by pulling the plug straight out from the outlet. Inspect the heater’s cord periodically. Do not use a heater with a damaged cord. Do not plug any other elec- trical device into the sameoutlet as your heater. This could result in overheating. Heaters should be kept away from children and not be placed in a child’s room without supervision. e Place the heater on a level, flat surface. Only use a heater on tabletops when specified by the manufacturer. It could fall, dis- lodging or breaking parts in the heater. For more safety information or to receive a copy of AHAM’s free “Air Heater Safety” brochure, visit www.heatersafety.org or call (888) 785-7233.
