Home electrical fires claim the lives of 310 people each year and injure 1,100 more. Some are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords. These statistics come straight from the USFA (United States Fire Administration).
According to the USFA, home electrical problems account for 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion in property losses. About 53% of residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring.
December and January are the most dangerous months for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. The bedroom is the leading area of fire origin for residential building electrical fires. However, electrical fires that begin in the living room/family room/den areas result in the most deaths.
So the question remains, how do we prevent or at minimum reduce electrical fires? Follow these 11 suggestions:
1-Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring
2-Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately
3-Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks
4-Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen
5-Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
6-Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters
7-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
8-Don’t allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers
9-Use safety closures to “child-proof” electrical outlets
10-Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets
11-Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker
Have working smoke alarms throughout your house and remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Don’t let your house become another statistic! Do your part now to protect your family and home.
