Never Plug Your Space Heater Into A Power Strip

peter • January 31, 2019

Fires can be avoided using these tips

It's cold outside! During the winter months it often feels so chilly inside your home you think the best thing to do is crank up the space heater. I admit it does provide a nice source for heat. But before you plug in that dusty old space heater, you  'll want to follow this safety tip: don't use extension cords and power strips. As an insurance agent who has seen dozens of home fires throughout the years, I strongly suggest you pay careful attention with your portable space heaters. These units are not designed to handle the high current flow needed and can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy flow.

From 2009 to 2013, heating equipment were involved in an estimated 56,000 reported U.S. home fires — accounting for 16 percent of the total, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFP). In those fires, 470 people died, 1,490 were injured, and $1 billion in property damage was reported. "Nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February," the NFP said. "Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for two of every five of home heating fires."

If you're planning on using a space heater this winter, follow these five safety tips compliments of Wallin Insurance Agency:
  • Turn space heaters off and unplug them when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Keep space heaters three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
  • Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
  • Install tamper-resistive smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. We have partnered with the American Red Cross to assist homeowners, tenants and landlords to receive free alarms and important escape plan education

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