| Each year, 67,800 electrical fires in the home take | | | | contractor. |
| the lives of 485 Americans, injure 2,305 more, | | | | - NEVER run an extension cord under a carpet! |
| and cause $868 million dollars in property loss.* | | | | The foot and chair traffic across the carpet often |
| While some of these fires are caused by lightning | | | | times cut through the cord, causing an immediate |
| and defects in appliances, many more are caused | | | | fire hazard. |
| by incorrectly installed wiring, overloaded circuits, | | | | - Small space heaters cause many fires. Always |
| and misuse of extension cords. In fact, improper | | | | keep clothing, curtains, and any combustible |
| home electrical wiring (perhaps done by | | | | material at least three feet away from space |
| do-it-your-selfers) cause twice as many fires as | | | | heaters at all times. |
| electrical appliances. While it is always best to | | | | - Check all lamp cords, extension cords regularly, |
| have any electrical work done by a licensed | | | | and look for signs of overheating, frayed |
| electrical contractor, there are many things you | | | | insulation, or bent prongs. Replace all worn or |
| can do around the home to help keep your family | | | | damaged electrical cords immediately. |
| safe. | | | | - Routinely check all of your appliances, especially |
| This article outlines simple steps you can take to | | | | where the cord attaches, and look for signs of |
| prevent electrical fires in your home and prevent | | | | damaged wiring. |
| property damage and potential loss of life. | | | | - Never let children play with or near electrical |
| Here are some simple statistics to consider:o | | | | appliances such as space heaters, hair dryers, or |
| December is the time of year when most | | | | irons. |
| electrical fires occur.o Most electrical wiring fires | | | | - Never force a 3 prong plug into a two prong |
| begin in the bedroom.o Deaths due to electrical | | | | outlet. |
| fires are higher in the winter months. This is | | | | - Never overload extension cords or outlets. |
| mainly due to the increased amount of indoor | | | | - If you find a light switch that is warm to the |
| activities, increased lighting usage, heating, and | | | | touch, or the lights flicker when using that switch, |
| appliance use.o In urban areas, faulty wiring is the | | | | call a licensed electrician and replace it immediately. |
| cause of 33% of residential electrical fires.o The | | | | - Regularly check any electrically powered tools. |
| home appliances most involved in residential | | | | Replace any tool that gives off sparks, smoke, or |
| electrical fires are electric stoves and ovens, | | | | small electrical shocks, or overheats. |
| dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios, | | | | - Install and regularly check smoke alarms. |
| and stereo equipment. | | | | - Practice a home escape plan in case of fire. |
| These are some simple steps you can take to | | | | By following these simple steps you can make |
| help prevent electrical fires in the home | | | | help make sure your family and your home is |
| - Always carefully consider any Do-It-Yourself | | | | safe from electrical fires. |
| electrical project. It is always safer to have any | | | | * U.S. |
| electrical work done by a certified electrical | | | | |