Electrical Fire Safety

Many fires can be avoided with the proper use and maintenance of and your home’s electrical system and appliances. Air Conditioners and Fans pose additional risks during the warm weather months. Here's a list of things you need to do to keep your family safe from fires that can be fueled or ignited by electrical problems.

  • Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician or call your landlord if you have any problems.
  • Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other flammable items at least three feet away from electric space heaters.
  • Only buy and use electric space heaters, blankets and warmers that have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standards mark.
  • Replace anything that overheats, shocks, shorts, smokes or sparks.
  • Replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
  • Never force a 3 prong plug into a 2 slot outlet or extension cord.
  • Make sure outlets have child-proof cover plates and there’s no exposed wiring.
  • Don't overload extension cords or outlets.
  • Check extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs. Replace any that are cracked or frayed.
  • Make sure wiring or extension cords do not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.
  • Don’t trap electric cords against walls where heat can build up and make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.
  • If your alarms depend solely on electricity, installing battery back up alarms so they work in a power outage.
  • Fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fire, so don't tamper with fuse boxes or use fuses that are the wrong size.
  • Keep children away from all appliances as well as electric space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
  • Only buy and use appliances that have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standard mark.
  • Unplug appliances and have them repaired if they smoke or begin to smell unusual.
  • Check electrical appliances and wiring regularly. Replace worn, old or damaged cords immediately.
  • Keep floors dry near electrical appliances, especially in the bathroom and kitchen.

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