As winter approaches and temperatures drop, a local fire department issues a crucial warning: never plug a space heater into a power strip to avoid the risk of a house fire.
Countless households have resorted to space heaters to fend off the freezing temperatures accross America. However, this common solution conceals a dangerous pitfall. A crucial alert issued by a local fire department emphasizes the grave risk of plugging a space heater into a power strip – an act that could ignite a devastating house fire.
An Oregon fire department rings the alarm bell about the potential fire hazard lurking in your space heater. Their expert advice? Always plug your heater directly into the wall outlet. This simple action significantly reduces the likelihood of your home becoming a blazing inferno.
“As the mercury dips, and residents reach for their space heaters, we want to stress the importance of never plugging these devices into a power strip,” warns Umatilla County Fire District #1 in Hermiston, Oregon, via their Facebook page. “Power strips aren’t equipped to handle the high current flow a space heater demands. The excessive energy flow could cause the strip to overheat or even ignite.”
This straightforward yet life-saving advice may seem innocuous but could be a lifebuoy in the winter season. As you seek the warmth of a space heater, remember that safety should always come first – bypass the power strip and plug directly into the wall.
The fire department’s urgent message quickly gained momentum, resonating with thousands who shared the cautionary tale. Many social media users acknowledged the helpfulness of the information, sharing their own near-miss experiences and revelations.
“I woke up just in time to catch a fire caused by a household space heater years ago,” one Facebook user recollected. “This information is vital.”
“I was completely unaware of this,” admitted another user.
Hot on the heels of the Oregon warning, the Toledo Fire Department in Ohio issued a similar alert following a 3 am house fire sparked by a space heater igniting a sofa.
“If you are using space heaters, ensure that you’re using them safely,” advised Sterling Rahe, public information officer with the Toledo Fire Department, in a conversation with CBS affiliate WTOL. “Maintain a minimum clearance of three feet around the space heater.”
Space heaters can reach scorching temperatures, soaring up to 500 or even 600 degrees.
Rahe points out a disturbing commonality in most of these incidents. “Many fires are the result of items being left unattended.”
To enhance safety, it’s recommended to plug space heaters directly into the wall socket.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals alarming statistics: approximately 56,000 home fires involving heating equipment were reported in a four-year span starting in 2009. These fires resulted in 470 fatalities, 1,490 injuries, and approximately $1 billion in damages.
According to the NFPA, “Nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January, and February. Space heaters, both portable and stationary, were responsible for two out of every five home heating fires.”
The take-home message as you prepare to warm your home this winter is crystal clear. Be vigilant. Plug your space heater directly into the wall outlet and ensure there’s sufficient space around it.
WATCH the video below for more details:
Source: AWM
