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The United States Fire Administration(USFA) would like consumers
to knowthat there are simple steps you can taketo prevent the loss
of life and property
resulting from electrical fires.
THE PROBLEM
During a typical year, home electricalproblems account for
45,000 fires, over400 deaths, and $610 million in prop-erty losses.
Home electrical wiringcauses twice as many fires as
electricalappliances.
THE FACTS
December is the most dangerousmonth for electrical fires. Fire
deathsare highest in winter months which
call for more indoor activities andincrease in lighting,
heating, andappliance use. Most electrical wiringfires start in the
bedroom.
THE CAUSE
Electrical Wiring Most electrical fires result from
problems with fixed wiring suchas faulty electrical outlets and
oldwiring. Problems with cords andplugs, such as extension and
appli-ance cords, also cause many homeelectrical fires.
In urban areas, faulty wiringaccounts for 33% of
residentialelectrical fires.
Many avoidable electrical fires can betraced to misuse of
electric cords,such as overloading circuits, poor
maintenance and running the cordsunder rugs or in high traffic
areas.
Home Appliances The home appliances most often
involved in electrical fires are electricstoves and ovens,
dryers, central
heating units, televisions, radios andrecord players.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Routinely check your electricalappliances and wiring.
Frayed wires can cause fires. Replaceall worn, old or damaged
appliancecords immediately.
Use electrical extension cords wiselyand dont overload them.
Keep electrical appliances away fromwet floors and counters; pay
specialcare to electrical appliances in thebathroom and
kitchen.
When buying electrical applianceslook for products which meet
theUnderwriters Laboratory (UL) stan-dard for safety.
Dont allow children to play with oraround electrical appliances
likespace heaters, irons and hair dryers.
Keep clothes, curtains and otherpotentially combustible items at
leastthree feet from all heaters.
If an appliance has a three-prongplug, use it only in a
three-slot out-let. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or
extension cord.
Never overload extension cords or
wall sockets. Immediately shut off,then professionally replace,
lightswitches that are hot to the touch andlights that flicker. Use
safety closuresto child-proof electrical outlets.
Check your electrical tools regularlyfor signs of wear. If the
cords arefrayed or cracked, replace them.Replace any tool if it
causes evensmall electrical shocks, overheats,shorts out or gives
off smoke orsparks.
Finally, having a working smoke alarmdramatically increases your
chances ofsurviving a fire. And remember topractice a home escape
plan frequentlywith your family.
For More Information Contact:
The United States FireAdministrationOffice of Fire Management
Programs16825 South Seton AvenueEmmitsburg, MD 21727
Or visit the USFA website:
www.usfa.fema.gov
On the Safety CircuitA Factsheet on Home Electrical Fire
Prevention
A USFA Public-Private Partnership
STOPSFIR
E
WITH Y
OU
EElectrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 400 Americans
each year and injure 1,500
more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system
failures and appliance defects,but many more are caused by the
misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances,
incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and
extension cords.
March, 1998
