**Be Careful with Power Strips: A Safety Reminder**
Power strips can be useful, but if misused, they pose serious risks. “Always check the power strip’s capacity,” typically found on its cable, before plugging anything in.
Certain appliances should *never* be connected to a power strip due to their high energy use. These include “ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters.” Such devices need dedicated outlets to avoid overloads and fire hazards.
Heating devices, like space heaters, are especially dangerous when used with power strips. They can easily cause “circuit overload and fire risks.”
Don’t plug one power strip into another—a practice known as daisy-chaining. This greatly increases the chance of overheating and fires.
Lastly, sensitive electronics—like computers, TVs, and routers—should go directly into wall outlets. This helps protect them from “power surges.”
**Summary**: Use power strips responsibly. Avoid plugging in high-power appliances, never daisy-chain, and keep sensitive electronics safe by using proper outlets.
