Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

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Family Room Safety Tips

Make sure that all of your extension cords bear the UL Mark.

Never keep an extension cord plugged in when not in use. The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.

Never use an extension cord that is cut, damaged or repaired. Touching even a single exposed strand of wire as fine as a thread can give you an electric shock or burn.

Never run an electrical cord under a rug or carpet, or drape it over a hot surface such as a radiator or space heater. If a rug or other items cover the cord, heat can't escape and the cord can become too hot and possibly start a fire.

When replacing a light bulb in a portable lamp or fixture, make sure that the replacement bulb is of equal or lesser wattage than that recommended by the lamp or fixture manufacturer. "Overlamping," the practice of using a light bulb that is of higher wattage than recommended by the manufacturer, can cause the lamp or fixture to overheat and start a fire.

Only use portable electric air heaters as a supplementary source of heat; these devices are not intended to replace your home's heating system and should not be used without supervision. And always keep flammable materials -- including bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs and furniture -- at least three feet away from the heater.