As winter draws near, temperatures across Georgia and the Southern U.S. will — eventually — get colder. For many residents, this means cranking up the heat and using space heaters to keep warm. But an overlooked detail could potentially lead to harmful consequences: plugging these heaters into power strips.

The Technical Angle

First, a little electricity 101. Power strips and surge protectors are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater. These devices are better suited for low-power items like phone chargers or table lamps. Plugging a space heater into a power strip can overload the circuit, which could result in overheating and potentially a fire.

Fire Safety Tips

To prevent fire risks, here are some tips:

Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
Never use an extension cord or a power strip.
Keep the space heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.