Community Volunteer Fire Department responded to a recent incident in Harris County, Texas in which an accidental electrical fire caused a home to be severely damaged and the loss of a family pet. In light of the tragic incident, we created a list of general electrical fire safety tips that you can take to help reduce the risks of an electrical fire happening to you.
Replace Damaged Electrical Cords
Everyone has had a phone cord, laptop charger, extension cord, etc in which the insulating cover on the cord became worn over time. Once the outer jacket separates and exposes the inner wiring, the cord needs to be replaced. The inner electrical wires are already worn at this point and can cause an electrical short – creating an instant surge of electricity which poses both a fire and electrocution hazard.
Don’t Overload Electrical Circuits
One of the most common causes of electrical fires is overloading a circuit. High-demand electrical devices such as space heaters and appliances should always be connected directly to an outlet. You should never use multiple power strips on a single outlet. As more devices are plugged into a single location, the electrical current through the wiring is increased causing the wiring to heat up and potentially start a fire. Also verify that the electrical rating of your power strip or extension cord exceeds the total electrical draw of all of the devices you plug into it.
Pay Attention to Flickers, Outages, and Smells
If you are having consistent electrical problems, you should contact a professional. Do not bypass safety devices. Circuit breakers and GFCI outlets are for your protection. If a GFCI or circuit breaker trips multiple times, you have an electrical problem that needs evaluation by a licensed electrician. Bypassing these safety devices is setting yourself up for a disaster.
Use a Professional
Electrical repairs and additions are best left to a professional. They can make sure that the repairs are performed safely and according to any applicable electrical codes.
Know How to Turn Off the Power
If you see fire or sparks coming from an electrical device, do not touch it. You should know where your electrical panel is and turn the device off safely from the breaker panel. Common locations for circuit breaker panels are the exterior of the home, in the garage, or in the master bedroom closet. If you do not know which breaker the problem is on, shut off the main breaker at the top of the panel.
Your Safety is the Top Priority
In the event of any emergency, you should call 911 from a safe location. If you have questions on how to make your home safer, please feel free to contact us.
Replace damaged electrical cords and stop using them immediately.
Overloading circuits is a common cause of electrical fires. Never plug a power strip into another power strip.
Community Volunteer Fire Department responded to a recent incident in Harris County, Texas in which an accidental electrical fire caused a home to be severely damaged and the loss of a family pet. In light of the tragic incident, we created a list of general electrical fire safety tips that you can take to help reduce the risks of an electrical fire happening to you.
Replace Damaged Electrical Cords
Everyone has had a phone cord, laptop charger, extension cord, etc in which the insulating cover on the cord became worn over time. Once the outer jacket separates and exposes the inner wiring, the cord needs to be replaced. The inner electrical wires are already worn at this point and can cause an electrical short – creating an instant surge of electricity which poses both a fire and electrocution hazard.
Don’t Overload Electrical Circuits
One of the most common causes of electrical fires is overloading a circuit. High-demand electrical devices such as space heaters and appliances should always be connected directly to an outlet. You should never use multiple power strips on a single outlet. As more devices are plugged into a single location, the electrical current through the wiring is increased causing the wiring to heat up and potentially start a fire. Also verify that the electrical rating of your power strip or extension cord exceeds the total electrical draw of all of the devices you plug into it.
Pay Attention to Flickers, Outages, and Smells
If you are having consistent electrical problems, you should contact a professional. Do not bypass safety devices. Circuit breakers and GFCI outlets are for your protection. If a GFCI or circuit breaker trips multiple times, you have an electrical problem that needs evaluation by a licensed electrician. Bypassing these safety devices is setting yourself up for a disaster.
Use a Professional
Electrical repairs and additions are best left to a professional. They can make sure that the repairs are performed safely and according to any applicable electrical codes.
Know How to Turn Off the Power
If you see fire or sparks coming from an electrical device, do not touch it. You should know where your electrical panel is and turn the device off safely from the breaker panel. Common locations for circuit breaker panels are the exterior of the home, in the garage, or in the master bedroom closet. If you do not know which breaker the problem is on, shut off the main breaker at the top of the panel.
Your Safety is the Top Priority
In the event of any emergency, you should call 911 from a safe location. If you have questions on how to make your home safer, please feel free to contact us.
Replace damaged electrical cords and stop using them immediately.
Overloading circuits is a common cause of electrical fires. Never plug a power strip into another power strip.