As temperatures drop, space heaters feel like a quick fix for cold rooms—but firefighters say convenience can turn dangerous fast if you’re not careful. The biggest mistake?
Plugging a heater into a power strip or surge protector. These strips aren’t built for high-wattage appliances and can overheat in minutes. A space heater should always go straight into a wall outlet.
Safety doesn’t stop there. Keep heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, place them on a stable surface, and never leave them running unattended—or on while you sleep. Fire officials also remind homeowners to unplug heat-producing devices when they’re not in use and avoid using extension cords as permanent solutions. Follow these basics, and you can stay warm without turning your home into a fire risk.
