As temperatures start to drop across the northern hemisphere, people are pulling out their space heaters and turning on their heating systems to stay warm and cozy. But according to fire departments across the country, there’s an urgent safety warning that everyone should take seriously: Never plug a space heater into a power strip. This one mistake could lead to disaster.

Firefighters in Umatilla County, Oregon, recently issued a warning on Facebook, urging the public to avoid plugging space heaters into power strips or extension cords. The reason? These devices simply aren’t built to handle the high electricity demand that space heaters require. Doing so can cause the power strip to overheat—and in some cases, catch fire. Their post quickly went viral, as thousands of people realized they had been using their heaters dangerously without even knowing it.

And Oregon isn’t alone in this message. The Toledo Fire Department in Ohio echoed the same concern after a tragic fire broke out in a home, traced back to a space heater that ignited a couch. In just moments, the entire house was engulfed in flames. What many people don’t realize is that space heaters can reach temperatures as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and they need to be treated with serious caution.

Here are the essential safety tips for using space heaters, shared by fire officials and experts:

• Never plug your space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Always plug it directly into a wall outlet.

• Maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance around the heater to prevent nearby objects from overheating or catching fire.

• Never leave a space heater unattended. That means turning it off when you leave the room or go to bed.

• Keep the heater on a flat, stable surface. Avoid placing it on furniture, rugs, or carpets that could overheat.

• Don’t use heaters on elevated surfaces like cabinets or tables.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that portable electric space heaters cause about 1,200 house fires every year. Firefighters emphasize that space heaters themselves aren’t inherently dangerous—it’s the improper use that leads to tragic outcomes. Even the safest equipment can fail if it’s not used the way it was intended.

Fire safety doesn’t end with space heaters, though. Here are some other tips to help keep your home safe from electrical fires—especially during the colder months:

1. Unplug heat-producing appliances when not in use.
This includes items like hair dryers, curling irons, kettles, and of course, space heaters. If left plugged in, these devices can malfunction or overheat, especially during a power surge.

2. Use extension cords only temporarily.
Extension cords aren’t designed for long-term use. If you find yourself relying on them regularly, it’s time to have an electrician install additional outlets to meet your needs safely.

3. Keep the third prong intact.
That third prong on your plug isn’t just extra plastic—it’s a grounding mechanism that protects you from electrical faults. If your home only has two-prong outlets, consider upgrading them for better protection.

4. Upgrade your home’s electrical system if it’s outdated.
Older homes may still have wiring that isn’t equipped to handle today’s high-powered devices. An outdated electrical system can overheat and increase the risk of fire. Have a licensed electrician inspect and modernize your system if needed.

5. Never use damaged cords.
If a power cord is frayed, cracked, or missing prongs, toss it out. Damaged cords are one of the most common causes of electrical fires.

6. Always follow manufacturer instructions.
Yes, reading the manual is boring—but it can literally save your life. Manuals include important safety tips and recall information that you might otherwise miss.

7. Watch for warning signs of electrical problems.
If you see burn marks around an outlet, smell something burning while using an appliance, or notice frequent flickering lights, don’t ignore it. These are signs of a potential electrical issue. Other red flags include hot outlets, frequent tripping breakers, or getting shocked when plugging in a device.

Finally, make sure your smoke detectors are working properly. It’s essential to have one in every room and test them regularly. Smoke detectors can alert you early and give you precious time to escape in the event of a fire.

Staying warm in the winter is important—but so is staying safe. By following these simple guidelines and avoiding dangerous shortcuts like plugging space heaters into power strips, you can reduce your risk of electrical fires and protect your home and loved ones.