Electrical Fires

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2014-2018 10% of home fires were due to electrical equipment. This would include wiring, lighting, cords, and plugs. Extension cords or plugs were involved in 7% of documented deaths. 

Electricity is used daily and it's important that we keep safety in mind when utilizing it. Here are some safety tips from the NFPA:

• Inspect your living space for hidden electrical hazards. This could include:
• damaged, cracked or loose wires
• remove cords running across doorways or under carpets
• all receptacle outlets and switches must have faceplates
• use only one heat producing appliance into an outlet at a time
• major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet
• Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have any of the following issues
• frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• discolored or warm wall outlets
• a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• flickering or dimming lights
• sparks from an outlet

For more tips, statistics and research, go to: www.nfpa.org

https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Electrical_Safety_Tips.pdf

https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Community-tool-kits/electric-kit/Electrical_Safety_Checklist.pdf