Preventing Electrical Fires
Fires caused by electrical sources have cost the lives of 700 Americans every year and another three thousand are injured in the same amount of time. Some of these fires are caused by failures in the electrical system and by defects in electrical devices, but many more are caused by misuse and negligence of electrical devices, incorrect installation of wires and overcharging of circuits and extension cords.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) wants to inform consumers about these simple steps to avoid losing lives and property in fires caused by electrical failures.
THE PROBLEM
In a regular year, domestic electrical problems cause 90,000 fires, more than 700 deaths, and 700 million dollars in property. Electric wiring in the homes causes twice as many fires than electric appliances.
THE FACTS
December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Deaths by fires increase during the winter, when activities are indoors and the use of illumination, heating and devices increases. Most fires caused by wiring begin in the bedroom.
THE CAUSE
Electrical Wires
• Most fires caused by wiring are a result of problems with the "fixed wiring", such as faulty outlets and old wiring. Problems with wires and outlets, and extension cords and devices, also cause a large number of fires.
• In urban areas, faulty wires are 33 percent of fires caused by electricity.
• Many fires caused by electricity that can be avoided are caused by misuse of electrical wires, circuit overcharging, negligence and using cords running under carpets or in areas with heavy domestic traffic.
DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
Domestic appliances that cause electrical fires more frequently are hot plates and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record players.
SAFETY CAUTIONS
• Frequently checking electrical devices and house wiring.
• Immediately replacing worn, old or damaged wiring in electrical devices.
• Being careful of not overcharging outlets or extension cords.
• Keeping electrical devices away from wet floors and counters; being careful with electrical devices in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Purchasing only products approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) when buying electrical devices.
• Not allowing children to play with, or near, electrical devices such as heaters, irons and hair dryers.
• Keeping clothes, curtains and other potentially flammable items least three feet away from heaters.
• Using only a three-hole plug if the device has this type of plug. Never force it into a two-hole outlet or extension cord.
• Do not overcharge wall outlets or extension cords. Immediately turning off light switches that feel hot to the touch and have them replaced by a professional. Changing light bulbs if the lights are flickering. Using “child proof” plugs and security devices.
• Checking electrical tools frequently to see if they are in good shape. If the wires are worn or torn, they must be replaced. Replacing any tool that shocks, overheats, shuts down or generates smoke or sparks.
Finally, having an operational smoke alarm dramatically increases chances of fire survival. And remember to practice an escape plan frequently with the entire family.
Season to Learn About Fire Safety
Preventing Electrical Fires during Celebrations
In a regular year; domestic electrical problems cause 500 fires, more than 700 deaths, and 700 million dollars in property. There are simple measures you can take that may save your life and guarantee a safe and happy celebration. Follow cautionary guidelines that may enormously reduce your possibilities of becoming a fire victim during celebrations.
AVOIDING THE CHRISTMAS TREE FIRE
Special safety precautions should be enforced when a live tree is inside the house. A tree on fire may burn a room and fill it with toxic fumes.
Picking a Tree for the Celebration
The needles in fresh trees must be green and hard to pluck from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been recently cut down. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Older trees can be spotted by making them bounce on the floor. If the needles fall, the tree has been cut down a long time ago, it is probably dry, and is a fire hazard.
Taking Care of The Tree
Not placing the tree near a heat source, including a stove or heating fan. Heat dries up the tree, making it more difficult to burn by heat, flames or sparks. Being careful and not dropping cigarettes or ashes near a tree. Not installing a live tree too soon or leaving it up for more than two weeks. Keeping the tree support full of water at all times.
Disposing of the Tree
Not placing the tree branches or needles near a stove with chimney or wood stove. When the tree dries up, throw it away soon. The best way of disposing of a tree is taking it to a recycling center or having it picked up by a community collecting system.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Taking Care of the Christmas Lights
Checking the Christmas lights every year to see if the wires are worn, bare sections, cracks in insulation, if the light sockets are broken or cracked, and see if they are too worn before putting them up. Use only illumination authorized by a special testing lab.
Not Overcharging Electrical Plugs
Not plugging more than three sets of lights, unless the instructions indicate it is safe. Plugging the light cords to an extension cord before plugging the cord. Checking the cords periodically – they should not be hot to the touch.
Not Neglecting Lit Christmas Lights
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Using Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations must be nonflammable or flame retardant and placed away from heating sources.
Never Leave Gift Wrapping Paper in a Stove with Chimney
It may provoke dangerous sparks and accumulate chemicals that might cause an explosion.
Artificial Christmas Trees
If using metallic or artificial trees, ensure they are flame retardant.
BEWARE OF CANDLES
Avoid using lit candles
If used, make sure they are in firm candle holders where they are not able to fall easily. Never leave the house while candles are lit.
Never Place Lit Candles in a Tree
Never approach a Christmas tree with a live flame – candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every Christmas season, having smoke detectors at every level of the house, check them every month and keeping them clean and equipped with fresh batteries all the time. Always know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice a plan to evacuate the house.
Chimney Stoves and Fire Safety at Home
Check the Hot Places!
ABOUT RURAL FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION
People living in rural areas are doubly exposed to the possibility of dying in a fire than those living in medium sized cities or suburban areas. Misuse of wood stoves, portable heating devices and kerosene heating devices is a common risk in rural areas.
WOOD STOVES
Wood stoves cause more than 9,000 residential fires per year. Manufacturer instructions for installation and maintenance must be followed carefully. Choose a solidly built place, on steel or wrought iron metal plates. Check for cracks and inspect the legs, hinges and verify that the door locks are firm on the cracks. Use only the appropriate wood or fuel, not green wood, artificial logs, or garbage. Inspect and clean ducts and chimneys every year. Check for damage and obstructions every month. Make sure that flammable objects are at least three feet away from the stove.
ELECTRIC HEATING DEVICES
Only purchase heating devices included in the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) safe list. Check and ensure that they have a control mechanism at the thermostat, shutting off automatically if the device malfunctions. Heating devices are not dryers or tables; do not dry clothes or place objects on the heating device. These devices need space; keep flammable items at least three feet away from heaters. Always unplug the heater when not in use.
KEROSENE HEATERS
Only purchase heaters approved by UL and verify with your local fire department about legal use of a kerosene heater in your community. Never refill your heating device with gasoline or camping stove fuel; they both ignite easily. Only use K-1 crystal clarity kerosene. Never overcharge any portable heater. Use the kerosene heater in a well-ventilated room.
CHIMNEY STOVES
Chimney stoves usually accumulate creosote (an oily liquid) in their chimneys. They must be cleaned frequently and the chimneys need to be inspected to detect obstructions and cracks to avoid deadly fires at the chimney and roof. Check to make sure that the shaft regulator is on before lighting the fire. Never burn garbage, paper or green wood in your chimney stove. These materials cause a strong creosote accumulation and are difficult to control. Use a screen that is heavy enough to prevent the logs from rolling and large enough to cover the mouth of the stove completely and contain any flying sparks. Do not wear baggy clothes near any flame. Verify that the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to sleep. Place cold ashes in a well shut metal container outside of the home. Finally, having an operable smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of fire survival. And remember to frequently practice a plan to escape the house with your entire family.
