About half of all home electrical fires involve home electrical wiring

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of some 280 Americans each year and injure 1,000 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords. FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.

• Plug only one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, space heater, or microwave) directly into a wall outlet at a time.
• Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Have an electrician install additional wall outlets where you need them.
• Never use an extension cord with a heat-producing appliance.
• Don’t overload extension cords or wall outlets.
• Check your electrical cords. If they are cracked or damaged, replace them. Don’t try to repair them.
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.
• Electrical work should only be done by a qualified electrician.