Fire Officials Warn Against Overloaded Power Strips

Fire and safety officials warn that high-demand appliances can overload power strips, causing overheating and potentially starting electrical fires. Portable space heaters should be plugged directly into a suitable wall outlet, kept at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, and turned off when leaving the room or going to bed. Microwaves, air fryers, refrigerators, freezers, toasters, and air conditioners also draw substantial power and should be connected according to manufacturers’ instructions, generally to properly rated wall outlets rather than overloaded strips. As heating season begins, officials also advise checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and never using an oven to heat a home.