According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), electrical fires cause the deaths of more than 310 Americans each year. 1,100 more are injured. Many of those fires originated from faulty wiring, and incorrect use of electrical appliances. The USFA is emphasizing these dangers in order to better educate the public.
In any given year, there are 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion dollars in damage to property. It has also been found that December and January are the most dangerous months. This is due in large part to more indoor activities, and more electrical appliance use. While bedrooms are the usual starting place of electrical fires, they can occur in any room in the house. Here are some of the most often cited causes of home electrical fires:
- Most electrical distribution fires come from fixed wiring sources. These sources include old wiring, faulty outlets, any electrical cords and any bad electrical switches.
- Lighting fixtures and lamps are frequent causes of electrical fires. This is why it’s always important to turn off lamps when you leave the house. If they are knocked over, they can easily cause a fire.
- Poor electrical maintenance, overloading a circuit and running cords under high traffic carpet areas are also common causes of electrical fires.
Here is the USFA’s advice for preventing electrical fires:
- Routinely check the wiring of your electrical appliances.
- Replace any damaged wiring immediately.
- Keep electrical appliances away from water.
- Replace any electrical tools that start to malfunction.
- Keep clothes or curtains a safe distance (3 feet) away from heaters.
- Only use outlets that support the number of prongs that your appliances utilize. For instance, don’t try to force a 3 prong plug into a 2 prong outlet.
- Child-proof electrical outlets with safety closures.
- Don’t let children play with electrical appliances like hair dryers and space heaters.
- Correctly use extension cords. Never overload them.
- Professionally replace any light fixtures that begin to flicker.
Stay up to date on best practices regarding your electrical appliances. This will ensure the safe use of our modern conveniences.