Many of us use space heaters to keep our homes warm and cosy when it gets cold outside. But firefighters are telling us about a very important safety mistake that could have very bad results. The Oregon Fire Department says that you should never plug a space heater into a power strip.
This is a simple warning because power strips are not made to handle the high current flow that space heaters need. The power strip could get too hot or even catch fire, which would be dangerous for you and your family. This warning was just sent out by the Toledo Fire Department in Ohio after a house fire was started by a space heater that was put into a power strip.
So, how do you make sure space heaters are safe to use? Here are some fireman tips:
First, never use a power strip to plug your space heater in. Always plug it straight into a wall outlet. This will help keep things from getting too hot and lower the risk of a fire. Second, make sure there is enough room between your space heater and anything that could catch fire, like curtains or furniture. Third, take care of your space heater at all times and turn it off when you leave the room. Lastly, make sure your space heater is set up on a flat, level surface that isn’t near any things that could cause you to trip.
By following these easy safety tips, you can help keep your home safe and warm this winter and avoid electrical fires. Remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry, so check your space heaters to make sure you’re running them safely.
