Fire dept issues urgent warning for anyone using plug-in heaters this winter – not listening could burn your home down
MISHANDLING your plug-in heater could burn your house down this winter, a fire department has warned.
The experts at Linn County Emergency Management have begged people to remember their golden rule for heating up your home.
And that is you should never plug a plug-in heater into an extension lead or power strip.
They said: The weather is getting cooler.
“Do NOT plug any type of space heater into a power strip.
“These devices are not designed to handle the energy load of a space heater and can overheat causing a fire hazard.”
The experts took to Facebook to share a picture of what could happen if you ignore their advice.
You shouldn’t plug a heater into a power strip because heaters typically draw a significant amount of electrical current.
This can easily overload the power strip and create a serious fire hazard when it begins to melt the plastic casing.
Plug-in heaters require a lot of electricity to warm up a home, often more than what a power strip is designed to handle.
Power strips are generally intended for low-power devices like computers or lamps, not high-wattage appliances.
When a heater draws too much current through the power strip, it can cause the strip to overheat, potentially melting the plastic and damaging internal components.
In the worst case, it can start a fire.
Furthermore, the wiring in power strips is typically thinner and not designed to support continuous high power loads like those from heaters.
In winter, the increased use of certain electrical devices to keep warm or festive can raise the risk of fire – and it’s not just plug-in heaters.
Old or improperly used electric blankets can cause overheating, short-circuiting and even sparks that ignite fires.
You should always check for frayed wires or damage before use.
What’s more, never fold or crumble your blanket while in use as this can concentrate the heat and cause a fire.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.