As the northern hemisphere enters its coldest months of the year, heating systems are being switched on, and in many homes, space heaters are being taken out of storage. Firefighters urge caution during this season, particularly when using electrical devices like space heaters. They’ve highlighted some important safety guidelines, especially regarding what you should never plug into a power strip.
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Space Heaters: A Key Item to Avoid Plugging Into Power Strips
Space heaters are widely used around the world to combat the cold. They provide much-needed warmth when the weather turns frigid. However, Oregon firefighters have issued a critical warning about the safe use of space heaters. According to them, you should never plug a space heater into a power strip.
Umatilla County Fire District #1 in Hermiston, Oregon, shared this warning on Facebook, explaining that power strips aren’t built to handle the high current flow required by space heaters. As a result, they can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy load. Thousands of people are unaware of how dangerous this practice can be, which is why the post quickly went viral.
A Fire Hazard: Plugging Into a Power Strip
The Oregon fire department isn’t alone in sharing this important safety advice. The Toledo Fire Department in Ohio also warned the public after a house fire was caused by improperly using a space heater. The heater ignited a couch, quickly engulfing the entire house in flames.
Space heaters can reach temperatures of up to 600°F, so it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines when using them. These include:
Never plug space heaters into power strips; always plug them directly into a wall outlet.
Maintain at least three feet of clearance around the heater to prevent fires.
Never leave a space heater unattended, especially while sleeping or in another room.
Place space heaters on flat, stable surfaces; never put them on furniture, tables, or carpet.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, portable electric space heaters are responsible for about 1,200 fires per year. While using a space heater is generally safe when done correctly, reckless usage is a major issue. As Oregon firefighters emphasized, “No manufacturer is at fault; it’s all about how the user operates the product.”
How to Prevent Electrical Fires at Home
