Yes, but also definitely not.
Portable heaters are much safer than before. Modern space heaters are heavily regulated, especially when it comes to exposed heating elements and automatic shut-off switches to prevent overheating. But all heating devices require caution, as do all devices that consume a lot of energy for long periods.
The vast majority of residential heating fires begin with an actual fire, specifically in fireplaces and fuel burners. But space heaters accounted for more than 1,000 fires in the U.S. each year between 2017 and 2019, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. While this accounted for only 3 percent of heating fires overall, they caused more than 40 percent of deaths, in part because portable heaters tend to be placed precisely where people are and because the resulting fires are much more likely to be unlimited.
So treat your heater with the caution and wild skepticism it deserves. Here are some pretty simple safety tips, courtesy of the excellent federal experts at the USFA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Do not leave a portable heater unattended. “Neglected” includes sleeping, y’all! If they insist on using one in their bedroom at night, get a device with a timed shutdown and use it, so it doesn’t run all night while they sleep. (Or, might we suggest a wonderful down comforter instead?
Plug your heater directly into the outlet. This is a big one. Basically, never use extension cords or power strips with portable heaters. The extra length of the cable creates an electrical charge and can cause short circuits, overheating, and fires. If you has to If you use a longer cable, consult an expert to ensure you get the proper gauge and rating.
Do not plug another appliance into the same outlet or circuit as the heater. Perhaps the worst thing that can happen is that you trip the circuit breaker. But that’s not fun either.
Place a space heater only on the floor, on a level surface. It is not necessary to leave a heater on a table or chair that may be unstable. Heat rises and travels through the room through convection.
Keep your heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects. This includes bedding, curtains, furniture, the dress you were going to wear, lost socks or tights, your food delivery bag, and that great book you’ve been reading.
Don’t leave a portable heater on in a room with a baby, nor with a person who has mobility problems. The risk is not only fire but hyperthermia.
Keep portable heaters away from water and even general humidity. Bathrooms are notorious places for being dangerous for high-powered electrical devices. But also: you know that dank basement? The one that is a little cold and sometimes has puddles? Not a good place for a heater.
Read the manual. Manufacturers have all kinds of good advice.