Flounderville Home Improvement

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 faulty appliances, but frequently a lot more are caused by old wiring, bad use of electrical 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 always best to have any electrician work done by a licensed electrical contractor, there are many things you can do within the home or office to help keep your family safe.

Basic stats to think about

- December is the time of year when a lot of electrical fires usually occur.

- Almost all electrical wiring fires begin in the bedroom.

- In the cold months, deaths due to electrical fires are much 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 house 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 simple steps you can take to help prevent electrical fires in the home

- Carefully Consider any Do-It-Yourself electrical project. It is always to have any electrical work done by a journeyman electrician.

- NEVER run an extension cord under a carpet! The foot and chair traffic across the area rug will over time abrade through the cord, causing an immediate fire hazard.

- Small space heaters are the cause of a lot of 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 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 socket.

- Never overload extension cords or outlets. As obvious as this sounds, there are a lot of fires that are started by people overloading electrical cords and outlets.

- If you find a light switch that is warm to the touch, or the lights dim when using that switch, call a licensed electrician and replace it at once.

- Routinely 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 straightforward steps you can make sure your family and your house is safe from electrical fires.

* U.S. Fire Administration