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 electrical fires are caused by lightning and poorly wired appliances, but frequently a lot more are caused by poorly installed wiring, poor use of extension cords, and overloaded circuits. In fact, bad electrical 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 service done by a journeyman electrician, there are a lot of things you can do in the home to help keep your family safe.
This article describes easy ways you can take to prevent electrical fires in your residence and help prevent property damage and potential injury.
Basic stats to think about
- December is the time of year when a lot of electrical fires usually occur.
- Almost all electrical fires begin in the bedroom.
- During winter, 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, poor 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 stoves, hair dryers, televisions, radios, and stereo equipment.
These are some easy steps you can take to help prevent electrical fires in the home
- Carefully Ponder any Do-It-Yourself electrical project. It is almost always to have any electrical work done by a certified electrical contractor.
- NEVER run an extension cord under a rug! The foot and chair traffic across the rug will over time abrade through the cord, causing an immediate fire hazard.
- Small space heaters are the cause of many fires. Keep clothes, draperies, and any combustible material at least three feet away from space heaters at all times.
- Routinely 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 damaged wiring.
- Never let children 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 may sound, there are a lot of home electrical fires that are started by the overloading of electrical cords and outlets.
- If you find a light switch that is warm to the touch, or the lights dim when using the switch, call a journeyman electrician and replace it immediately.
- Regularly check any electrically powered tools. Make sure you replace any tool that gives off sparks, smoke, or small electrical shocks, or overheats.
- Install and regularly check smoke alarms.
- Practice a home escape plan in case of fire.
By following these simple steps you can make sure your family and your house is safe from electrical fires.
* U.S. Fire Administration
This article was written by Don Carter and a licensed Hollywood Electrician and Los Angeles Electrician at Vozzcom Electric.
