subject: Just Ask Vozz - Home Electrical Safety Measures [print this page] Do you realize that each year, there are 67,800 electrical fires in the home that take the lives of 485 citizens, injure 2,305 more, and cause $868 million dollars in property loss*? Some fires are caused by lightning and poorly wired appliances, but frequently a lot more are caused by wiring in poor condition, poor use of extension cords, and overloaded circuits. In fact, old wiring (perhaps done by do-it-your-selfers) causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances. While it is usually best to have any electrical work done by a licensed electrician, there are many things you can do in the home to help keep your family safe.
Easy to remember stats to consider
- December is the time of year when most electrical fires usually occur.
- Almost all electricity fires begin in the bedroom.
- In the cold months, deaths due to electrical fires are higher. This is usually due to the increased amount of indoor activities, increased lighting usage, heating, and appliance use.
- In city areas, bad wiring is the cause of over 33% of home electrical fires.
- The home appliances most involved in home electrical fires are central heating units, electric cooktops, hair dryers, televisions, radios, and stereo equipment.
These are some simple steps you can take to help stop electrical fires in the house
- Carefully Consider any Do-It-Yourself electrical project. It is usually to have any electrician work done by a licensed electrical contractor.
- NEVER run an extension cord under a rug! The foot and chair traffic across the rug will over time slice through the cord, causing an immediate fire hazard.
- Small space heaters are the cause of many fires. Keep clothing, curtains, and any combustible material at least three feet away from space heaters at all times.
- Always check all lamp cords, extension cords regularly, and look for signs of overheating, frayed insulation, or bent prongs. Always replace all worn or damaged electrical cords immediately.
- Routinely check all of your appliances, especially where the cord attaches, and look for signs of frayed wiring.
- Never let kids play with or near electrical appliances such as space heaters, hair dryers, or irons.
- Never force a 3 prong plug into a two prong outlet.
- Never overload extension cords or outlets. As obvious as this sounds, there are a lot of fires that are started by the overloading of electrical cords and outlets.
- If you find a light switch that is hot to the touch, or the lights flicker when using the switch, call a certified electrical contractor and replace it immediately.
- Regularly check any electrically powered tools. Make sure you replace any tool that gives off sparks, smoke, or small shocks, or overheats.
- Install and routinely check smoke alarms.
- Practice a home escape plan in case of fire.
By following these straightforward steps you can help make sure your family and your home is safe from electrical fires.
