Skip to main content

To Report an Outage:  1-866-867-5415 | To Make a Payment:  1-844-867-8989

Contact Us
Make A Payment
Home

Serving our members in Escambia, Conecuh, Monroe, Baldwin and Covington counties in Southwest Alabama since 1938!

Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About SPEC
    • Contact Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Key Personnel
    • Mission Statement
    • Service Area
    • History of SPEC
    • About Touchstone Energy
  • Programs
    • Annual Membership Meeting
    • Energy Audits
    • Energy Efficiency Tips
    • Energy Saving Tips
    • Surge Protection Equipment
    • Green Power Choice
    • Youth Tour
    • Canned Food Drive
    • Operation Round-Up
    • Scholarships
    • Member Task Force
    • Co-op Connections
    • Touchstone Energy Savings
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar Calculator
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Generator Safety
    • Safety Information
    • Using A Space Heater
    • Safety Quiz
    • Pad Mounted Transformer
    • Tree Planting
  • Community
    • Alabama Living
    • Economic Development
  • Our Services
    • Wiring Diagrams
    • Establish Residential Service
    • Establish Non-Residential Service
    • List of Pricing
    • Right of Way Easement
    • Distributive Generation
    • Pre-Pay Program

Using A Space Heater

You are here

  1. Safety
  2. Using A Space Heater

Use Your Space Heater Safely

Many people turn to space heaters—both electric models and those powered by kerosene or even wood— as a convenient source of warmth in winter months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people annually receive hospital emergency care for burn injuries connected with space heaters.

Space heater hazards stem not just from fires caused by contact with or close proximity to heating elements. They also include fires started by flammable fuels used in the heaters; defective wiring in the appliance; and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper venting or an incomplete combustion of fuels.

Here are some tips for using your electric space heater safely:

Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, or bedspreads.

  • Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element.

  • When buying a heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing institution such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

  • Buy a heater that can handle the area that you want to heat.

  • Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

  • Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

  • Never leave a space heater unattended.

  • Never go to sleep with a space heater on.

  • Never use or store flammable liquids near a space heater.

  • Do not use a heater in a bathroom–it’s a high-moisture area that could cause damage.

  • Keep heaters away from water to prevent electrocution.

  • Do not use an extension cord with a space heater.

  • Do not use the heater to dry clothes.

  • Be sure the heater’s plug fits snugly in an outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems.

  • Do not attempt to repair a broken heater yourself. It should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.

Source: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

space heater safety tips
Back to Top

Quick Links

  • Our History
  • Contact Us
  • Establish Residential Service
  • Establish Non-Residential Service
  • Statement of Nondiscrimination

Contact Info

Southern Pine Electric Cooperative
Brewton Headquarters
2134 South Boulevard
Brewton, AL  36426
Phone: 251-867-5415
Fax:  251-867-3925

Atmore, Alabama District Office:  251-368-4842
Evergreen, Alabama District Office:  251-578-3460
Frisco City, Alabama District Office:  251-267-3196

To Report an Outage:  1-866-867-5415
To Make a Payment:  1-844-867-8989

About Us

Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative®, is a not-for-profit, member-owned distribution co-op serving over 21,000 accounts.
The co-op is headquartered in Brewton, Ala., with district offices in Atmore, Evergreen and Frisco City. Southern Pine serves members in portions of five southwest Alabama counties, including: Baldwin, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia and Monroe.

Follow Us Online

AL Living Mag Cover.png

©2025 Southern Pine Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About SPEC
    • Contact Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Key Personnel
    • Mission Statement
    • Service Area
    • History of SPEC
    • About Touchstone Energy
  • Programs
    • Annual Membership Meeting
    • Energy Audits
    • Energy Efficiency Tips
    • Energy Saving Tips
    • Surge Protection Equipment
    • Green Power Choice
    • Youth Tour
    • Canned Food Drive
    • Operation Round-Up
    • Scholarships
    • Member Task Force
    • Co-op Connections
    • Touchstone Energy Savings
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar Calculator
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Generator Safety
    • Safety Information
    • Using A Space Heater
    • Safety Quiz
    • Pad Mounted Transformer
    • Tree Planting
  • Community
    • Alabama Living
    • Economic Development
  • Our Services
    • Wiring Diagrams
    • Establish Residential Service
    • Establish Non-Residential Service
    • List of Pricing
    • Right of Way Easement
    • Distributive Generation
    • Pre-Pay Program