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Electrical
Fire Safety
A
fact sheet on Home Electrical Fire Prevention
Electrical
fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year
and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by
electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many
more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of
electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and
overloaded circuits and extension cords.
The
United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers
to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent
the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.
THE
PROBLEM
During
a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800
fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home
electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical
appliances.
THE
FACTS
December
is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths
are highest in winter months which call for more indoor
activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance
use. Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom.
THE
CAUSE
Electrical
Wiring
- Most
electrical fires result from problems with "fixed
wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old
wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension
and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical
fires.
- In
urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of
residential electrical fires.
- Many
avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of
electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor
maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high
traffic areas.
Home
Appliances
- The
home appliances most often involved in electrical fires
are electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating
units, televisions, radios and record players.
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
- Routinely
check your electrical appliances and wiring.
- Frayed
wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged
appliance cords immediately.
- Use
electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.
- Keep
electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters;
pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom
and kitchen.
- When
buying electrical appliances look for products which meet
the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
- Don't
allow children to play with or around electrical
appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
- Keep
clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items
at least three feet from all heaters.
- 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.
- Never
overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut
off, then professionally replace, light switches that are
hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety
closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.
- Check
your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the
cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any
tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats,
shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.
Finally,
having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your
chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home
escape plan frequently with your family.
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