Heating plates for baby chicks are much safer than using a heat lamp, as improperly secured heat lamps can fall and start a fire, killing the baby chicks. Baby chicks also have less chance of becoming overheated or too cold because they can get closer to the heat when they need too and get away from it if they are too hot. Most heating plates use less electricity than heat lamps. One of the disadvantages are the fact that heating plates are much more expensive than heat lamps and the baby chicks will quickly outgrow them, even though most models have adjustable legs that can be raised as your chicks grow. Heating plates with a pointed dome cone on top can be very helpful to keep your chick heating plate cleaner because it will prevent your baby chicks from sitting on top of the heat plate and defecating on it. Be sure to check  your chick heating plate daily to make sure it is in good working order, that the electrical cord is not frayed or damaged and check the plug end and the outlet for any signs of wear or damage. If possible you should plug the heating plate directly into a wall outlet. If you have no other choice but to use an extension cord make sure that you get a heavy duty cord or an RV extension cord with an adapter for a regular 110 outlet because a lightweight cord can easily have a melt down which can cause your heating plate or electrical outlet to become damaged and there is the risk of fire with lighter cords.

References: 

1. Raising Chicks - Brooding with a Chick Heating Plate. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved 12 July 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Gf17YVSoA
2. Free Image on Pixabay - Chicks, Chicken, Hatched, Hatch. (2018). Pixabay.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018, from https://pixabay.com/en/chicks-chicken-hatched-hatch-small-3388230/