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Electrical fires in your home can start from something as simple as overloading your outlets with extension cords. Some fires are caused by failures in your electrical system or problems with your appliances. But, an electrical fire is more likely to start by the misuse or lack of maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrect wiring, or overloading your circuits.
In fact, home electrical wiring causes twice the number of fires as electrical appliances. And, the number of deaths from fires is higher during the winter months because more people are inside for longer periods of time. This increases the use of lighting, heating, and appliances.
Electrical Fire Safety Tips
- Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
Many fires start from “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets or wiring that is not up-to-date. The home appliances held most responsible for fires are electric stoves, ovens, dryers, central heating units, TVs, and radios.
- Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords. Frayed wires can cause fires.
- Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Replace any tool if it’s giving off even small electrical shocks, overheating, shorting out or giving off smoke or sparks.
- Don’t overload extension cords or wall sockets.
A fire is likely to be linked to the misuse and overloading of extension cords.
- If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Use child proof outlet covers on your electrical outlets.
- Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
- Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches or outlets that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
- Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
- When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
- Do not run cords under rugs or put them in areas where a lot of people will be walking.
- Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
Electrical fire hazards are something to pay extra attention to especially when you have your little one beginning to crawl or walk. As they venture out and start to get into everything, it is more and more important that you are on top of all potential dangers.
Don’t forget to have
properly working, up-to-date smoke detectors.
Create fire escape plans for you and your children
as well so you feel secure that everyone knows how to get out of your home in the event of a fire.
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