(NAPSA)—As heating costs continue to rise, energy costs are on everyone’s mind. Portable electric heaters can be an efficient way to warm your room or supplement central heating, but 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 notin use. * Do not use your heater with a powerstrip or extension cord. Overheating of a powerstrip or extension 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 intakeor outlet. * 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 replaced. Check with a qualified electrician to replace the outlet. Heaters should be kept away from children and not be placed in a child’s room without supervision. * Unplug the heater when not 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 anyotherelectrical device into the same outlet 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. 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 “Stay Safe!” brochure, visit www.heatersafety.org or call (888) 785-SAFE.
