“Firefighters warn: These items should never be plugged into a power strip!”
As winter sets in and the northern hemisphere leans away from the sun, a familiar routine begins: thermostats climb, blankets make a comeback, and families gather to fend off the chill. In homes with drafty windows or uneven heating, one device often becomes the unsung hero of the season—the space heater.
Compact yet powerful, space heaters can turn a freezing room into a warm retreat in minutes. But behind their comforting glow lies a significant risk that’s often overlooked—one fire departments nationwide are working to spotlight.
🔥 The Hidden Danger: Power Strips and Space Heaters
Many people assume any appliance can be plugged into a power strip—but that’s a dangerous misconception. Fire departments, from Oregon to Ohio, are sending a clear warning: never plug a space heater into a power strip or surge protector.
This warning gained attention when Umatilla County Fire District #1 in Oregon shared a photo of a melted power strip online, accompanied by the blunt reminder: “You should never plug a heater into a power strip.” This isn’t just advice—it’s basic physics.
⚡ Why It’s Hazardous
Power strips are designed for low-wattage devices like lamps, phone chargers, or TVs. Space heaters, however, pull a large amount of electricity to generate heat quickly. Plugging one into a power strip can overwhelm it, leading to overheating, melted plastic, fused wires, and in many cases, fire.
This isn’t theoretical. In Ohio, a space heater plugged into a power strip sparked a blaze that consumed a home in minutes—the couch ignited first, and the fire spread rapidly.
🔌 How to Use a Space Heater Safely
- Plug directly into a wall outlet. Wall wiring is built for the high current space heaters require.
- Keep a three-foot buffer. Maintain distance from flammable items—curtains, bedding, furniture, laundry, and even walls.
- Use a stable surface. Hard, flat surfaces are best. Avoid tables, stools, or thick carpets that increase tipping or heat buildup.
- Never leave it unattended. Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Even heaters with tip-over sensors or automatic shut-off features aren’t foolproof. Use them as a backup, not your primary safety measure.
🔥 Broader Electrical Safety Tips
Space heaters highlight the bigger picture of home electrical safety:
- Unplug heat-generating appliances (toasters, kettles, curling irons) when not in use. Malfunctions or accidental activation can be dangerous.
- Don’t use extension cords as permanent wiring. Running cords under rugs or stapling them to walls creates a fire risk. Need more outlets? Call a licensed electrician.
- Respect the grounding prong. Never cut it or use a “cheater plug.” If your home still has two-prong outlets, consider an upgrade.
🛑 Final Reminder
As temperatures drop and the urge to stay warm rises, pause to think about safety. Taking a few extra steps—plugging your heater into a proper outlet, keeping flammable items at a safe distance—can be the difference between comfort and catastrophe.
Keep power strips for chargers and small electronics. Let your wall outlets handle the heat.
Stay warm. Stay safe. Prevention is quiet—but powerful.
