A electric space heater can be an excellent source of supplemental heat for your home. It can increase your comfort during cold months-especially in chilly garages, basements, workshops and other areas that may not have central heating. But using a space heater requires attention to safety, as well as comfort.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 100,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters. As many as 600 people a year die in these fires.

Before you purchase an electric space heater, make sure it has:

• An automatic safety switch that will turn the unit off if it tips over.
• An overheat sensor that shuts off the heater if it gets too hot.
• A low surface temperature to protect people and pets from brims.
• A screen or grill around the heating coil. Make sure the openings in the grill are small enough childrens fingers can not get through to touch the heating element.
• Buy a space heater that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters' Laboratory (UL).
• If you already have a space heater, check the cord before using it. Is it worn or cracked? Don't just put electrical tape over the break. Have a professional replace the cord with an HPN cord. It is the only kind acceptable for electric space heaters.

The CPSC offers these suggestions for safely using a space heater:

• Make sure all members of the household read and understand the operating instructions.
• Place the heater on a level surface and out of high traffic areas, where people could trip over it.
• Keep children and pets away from the heater at all times.
• Place the heater at least three feet away from flammable materials. Make sure carpeting or flooring materials can't ignite.
• Do not place the heater where towels or other objects could fall on it and start a fire.
• Avoid using an extension cord.
• Never use the heater to dry clothes or shoes, or to thaw pipes.
• Do not use or store flammable liquids around the space heater. The flammable vapors" can flow from one part of the room to another, and be ignited by the electrical circuit of the heater.
• Keep the heater away from water sources or damp places, and never touch it if you are wet.
• Never leave the heater unattended, or go to bed without turning it off.
• Keep the heater in safe working condition. Replace any missing guards or controls immediately.