“Firefighters warn: These items should never be plugged into a power strip!”

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 SafelyContinue reading…

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