Tips to Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home

By Jim Christian

Each year, 67,800 electrical fires in the home take the lives of 485 Americans, injure 2,305 more, and cause $868 million dollars in property loss.

While some of these fires are caused by lightning and defects in appliances, many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring, overloaded circuits, and misuse of extension cords. In fact, improper home electrical wiring (perhaps done by do-it-your-selfers) cause twice as many fires as electrical appliances. While it is always best to have any electrical work done by a licensed electrical contractor, there are many things you can do around the home to help keep your family safe.

This article outlines simple steps you can take to prevent electrical fires in your home and prevent property damage and potential loss of life.

Here are some simple statistics to consider:

• December is the time of year when most electrical fires occur.
  
• Most electrical wiring fires begin in the bedroom.
  
• Deaths due to electrical fires are higher in the winter months. This is mainly due to the increased amount of indoor activities, increased lighting usage, heating, and appliance use.
  
• In urban areas, faulty wiring is the cause of 33% of residential electrical fires.
  
• The home appliances most involved in residential electrical fires are electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios, and stereo equipment.

These are some simple steps you can take to help prevent electrical fires in the home

Always carefully consider any Do-It-Yourself electrical project. It is always safer to have any electrical work done by a certified electrical contractor.
NEVER run an extension cord under a carpet! The foot and chair traffic across the carpet often times cut through the cord, causing an immediate fire hazard.
Small space heaters cause many fires. Always keep clothing, curtains, and any combustible material at least three feet away from space heaters at all times.
Check all lamp cords, extension cords regularly, and look for signs of overheating, frayed insulation, or bent prongs. 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.
  
• If you find a light switch that is warm to the touch, or the lights flicker when using that switch, call a licensed electrician and replace it immediately.
  
• Regularly check any electrically powered tools. 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 help make sure your family and your home is safe from electrical fires.

• U.S. Fire Administration

This article was written by Jim Christian at Vozzcom Electric We provide electrician services for Florida and California.

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