Cape Canaveral Chapter of the
American Society of Safety Engineers
American Society of Safety Engineers
Gateway to the Final Frontier
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Message from our Chapter President : Frank Beckage |
Home Electrical Fires, Over 4300 in 2008
Electricity is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. - According to the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), each year, fires that start in electrical systems or lighting equipment
damage thousands of homes, injure many and kill over 300 people.
Our lives depend on electricity and the safe use of electricity in our homes. We tend to overlook
safety hazards, and in some cases some hazards are unseen. Electrical hazards can lead to a
devastating fire.
If you suspect an electrical problem in your home, or have doubts about the electrical wiring in
your home, contact a qualified electrician to perform troubleshooting or inspection of your
electrical system.
Performing a fire safety inspection of your home. Check your house or apartment room-by-room
to see which of these fire hazards you can find.
Then take action to correct them!
Remember, its not enough just to just identify the hazard! You have to eliminate the hazard!
Inspection and Tips:
Electrical:
o Check for overloaded outlets. If you have a receptacle with two outlets, don’t overload by
adding more outlets. Many people will add a multiple outlet devices that have three to six outlets
without over-current protection.
If you need more capability, you could use power strip or surge protector. Remember, these
devices are meant for multiple low amperage/wattage electrical devices, such as computers,
monitors, desktop printers, desk lamps, televisions, radios, fans, etc.
Power strips are not meant for high amperage/wattage appliances, such as refrigerators,
space heaters, coffee pots, toasters or toaster ovens, hair dryers, etc.
Don’t overload power strips or surge protectors!
o Tripped circuit breaker. If circuit breaker trips, this is a good indication that it may be an
overloaded or something else is wrong with the circuit.
If the breaker trips more than a couple times, and you don’t know what caused it, contact an
electrician to check it out.
o Inspect electrical cords. Check for cracks, cuts, damage to plugs.
If the cord is damaged, replace it.
If the plug is damaged (missing prongs), replace it.
If the insulation is cracked at the plug and the internal wires are exposed, replace it.
Remove electrical cords from under rugs and those nailed to walls.
If the plug is hot to touch that could be an indication of a problem with the cord, plug,
appliance or circuit, Contact an electrician for troubleshooting and/or repair.
o Inspect outlets. Check outlets for damage.
If the cover plate is damaged (cracked, broken, missing part of plate, loose). Replace or repair.
If the outlet is hot to touch, this is not normal and would need to be checked by an electrician.
o Home repairs. When making repairs to your home, be careful not to damage the electrical
wiring.
When you drill holes, saw holes or drive nails into the wall, be careful not to damage wiring.
If you damage electrical wiring in the wall, contact an electrician.
o Space heaters. Check to ensure all combustibles are kept away from heaters.
o Check your smoke alarms! Replace the battery, when needed.
Remember, its not enough just to just identify the hazard! You have to eliminate it!