Space Heater Safety: What You Need to Know
As the winter chill sets in, many people will be reaching for their space heaters to stay warm. However, firefighters are warning against a common and dangerous mistake: plugging space heaters into power strips or extension cords. These devices are not designed to handle the high energy demands of space heaters and using them this way can lead to serious fire risks.
Why It’s Dangerous to Use Power Strips

Space heaters require a lot of power to run, and power strips or extension cords often can’t handle the load. Overloading these devices can cause them to overheat, which increases the chance of a fire starting in your home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that space heaters cause nearly half of all home heating-related fires. In fact, space heaters are responsible for 25,000 fires each year, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Firefighter Safety Tips for Space Heater Use
To protect yourself and your home, firefighters recommend the following tips:

Always Use a Wall Outlet: Plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using a power strip or extension cord.
Keep It Clear of Flammable Items: Place your space heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like furniture, bedding, or curtains.
Don’t Overload Circuits: Avoid plugging multiple high-wattage devices into the same outlet as your space heater to prevent overloading.
Supervise Usage: Never leave a space heater running unattended. Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Check Your Heater: Inspect your space heater regularly for damage, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Install Smoke Alarms: Make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor of your home, and check that they are working properly.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your space heater is used safely this winter.