As much of the northern hemisphere enters the coldest months of the year, heating systems are activated, and space heaters are frequently removed from storage. According to firemen, you should never connect these devices to a power strip.

Never plug space heaters into power strips.

When it’s chilly outdoors, people all around the world use space heaters. We all want to feel warm and comfortable when the chilly winds blow outside. In anticipation of the next space heater season, Oregon firefighters published a crucial message regarding their safety. (1) What is their number-one tip? Never connect a space heater to a power strip. (1) “You should never plug a heater into a power strip,” Umatilla County Fire District #1 in Hermiston, Oregon, said on Facebook. “The high current flow required for a space heater is beyond the design of these units, and the additional energy flow can lead to overheating or even fire.” (1)

A Fire Starter: Plugging into a Power Strip

The Oregon Fire Department is not the only one that provides space heater safety information. The Toledo Fire Department in Ohio issued a similar statement after a home caught fire due to inappropriate usage of a space heater. The heater ignited the couch, and the entire home burst into flames. (2) Space heaters may reach temperatures of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit; thus, it is vital that everyone uses them safely. (2)

Their tips include:

Never use a power strip; instead, always connect straight to a wall unit.
Maintain at least three feet of distance around the space heater at all times.

Always monitor your space heater during use; never turn it on while you’re asleep or in another room.

Heaters should be placed on level, smooth surfaces.

Never use heaters on cupboards, tables, furniture, or carpet.

How to Avoid Electrical Fires at Home

Electrical fires are preventable, even during the coldest months of the year. Here are our top tips for being fire-safe this winter and year-round:

1. Unplug all heat-producing devices while not in use.

This includes hair styling tools, kettles, and heaters. Essentially, anything that produces heat when switched on may overheat and catch fire if left on for too long, or it can turn on as a result of a malfunction or electrical surge.

2. You should only use extension cables temporarily.

You should only use extension cables temporarily, not continuously. If you need more outlets, hire an electrician to install them. (4)

3. Retain the third prong.

A power cord’s third prong protects against power surges and faults. Consider upgrading your home’s two-pronged outlets.

4. Upgrade your electrical system.

If you reside in an old house, the electrical system is likely to be out of date. Contact an electrician to get it inspected and possibly updated. Older, less contemporary systems are more likely to overheat and start fires.

5. Do not use damaged power cables.

If the power cable is in any way damaged, such as frayed, broken prongs, free from the plug, or cracked, do not use it.