Power strips are everywhere — behind TVs, under desks, and by the bed. They’re convenient and make it easy to charge multiple devices at once. But according to fire departments across the country, people are making a dangerous mistake that could cost them their home — or worse.
🔥 Firefighters are urging everyone: Never plug space heaters into power strips.
Why? Because power strips aren’t built to handle high-wattage appliances. Space heaters draw a huge amount of electricity, and when plugged into a basic strip or extension cord, they can overheat instantly, melt the plastic, and ignite a fire in seconds.
“We’ve seen it time and time again,” says Captain James Holloway of the Springfield Fire Department. “A family thinks they’re staying warm, but that heat source is sitting on top of a potential fire starter.”
And it’s not just space heaters.
🚫 Here’s a quick list of what should never go into a power strip:
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Space heaters
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Microwaves
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Toasters
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Air conditioners
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Hair dryers or curling irons
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Refrigerators
All of these devices should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, preferably on a dedicated circuit.
💡 Pro tip: If the plug or strip feels hot to the touch — unplug it immediately.
Firefighters recommend checking your power strips regularly and replacing older or damaged ones. And remember: just because it fits doesn’t mean it’s safe.
