Firefighters across the country are urgently warning families about a hazard that feels harmless because it looks so ordinary: plugging a space heater into a power strip. Those strips are designed for small electronics, not high-wattage heaters. Under the strain, they can overheat frighteningly fast, melting, sparking, and igniting nearby materials before anyone even smells burning plastic. The safest option is simple but non‑negotiable: always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.

Equally critical is where and how the heater is used. It needs a clear three‑foot zone away from curtains, bedding, furniture, and clutter, sitting flat and stable, never balanced on a bed, chair, or rug. Turn it off and unplug it when you leave the room or go to sleep; a fire that starts while you’re unconscious spreads too quickly to escape. Unplug other heat‑producing appliances when not in use, avoid using extension cords as permanent wiring, and treat every winter comfort choice as a safety decision. Those few extra seconds of care can be the difference between a warm night and a life‑altering disaster.