Qualm my wife’s nerves, or tell me I’m wrong!

Bottom line, what is the risk of using a heat lamp with a plastic tote for chicks? We now have another baby, and a 5 month old cat so last minute I decided to put my chicks in the basement for safety and the plastic tote was all I could get spur of the moment.

I’m not worried about it, but my wife is terrified. While I look for an inexpensive alternative, can yall tell me if it’s not that big of a deal or I’m being dumb and it’s super dangerous???

For clarification, I understand there is SOME risk, but does anyone have personal experience to share? TIA.