Electricity has become one of our basic needs and Garland Fire Department is encouraging you to get grounded in the basics of electrical safety.
According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, electrical fires were involved in an estimated annual average of 47,820 reported home structure fires in 2007-2011.These fires resulted in 455 civilian deaths and 1,518 civilian injuries, with $1.5 billion in direct property damage.
“The best way to keep the home safe from electrical hazards is to take good care of appliances and to use all electrical equipment properly,” said Kristi Shepherd, GFD Public Educator. “Respect for electricity and the power it provides must occur every day throughout the year.”
By reviewing the electrical safety tips below and taking action, Garland residents can help reduce electrical fires in our community.
- When buying, selling or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified electrician.
- If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips often, find out why and correct the problem. Replace fuses with the correct amp rating for the circuit they protect; never replace a fuse with a higher rated fuse. If the problem continues, call an electrician.
- Only plug one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) into a receptacle outlet at a time.
- Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
- Avoid pinching cords against walls or furniture or running them under carpets or across doorways. This can cause a fire.
- Use extension cords for temporary wiring only.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
- Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time
- Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
- If an appliance is malfunctioning, unplug it if it is safe to do so. If necessary, cut off power by unscrewing a fuse or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Arc fault circuit interrupters are a new kind of circuit breaker that shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home by a qualified electrician.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard.
- Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month to make sure they are working properly.
- Keep ladders away from overhead power lines including electrical service into your home. Never touch a power line. Stay at a safe distance – you could be electrocuted.
- Report downed power lines to authorities.
- Some power lines are underground. Call your local authority regarding digging.
Lightning usually occurs during thunderstorms, which happen more often in summer months. The number of deaths and injuries from lightning fires is small, but the annual dollar loss is roughly $450 million. Almost three-quarters of fires caused by lightning occur outdoors.
“Practicing good safety habits is critical to minimizing risk during a lightning storm,” said Kristi Shepherd, GFD Public Educator. “By knowing how to react and reacting quickly, serious injuries can be avoided.”
The NFPA and Garland recommend these safety tips:
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers, and turn off air conditioners. If you are unable to unplug them, turn them off.
- Follow the 30-30 rule: When you see lightning, count 30 seconds until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is within six miles and is dangerous Seek shelter immediately. The threat of lightning continues longer than most people think. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before leaving your shelter.
- If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Seek shelter immediately.
- Stop outdoor activities at the first clap of thunder and get inside a house, large building or hard-topped vehicle.
- When inside, stay off corded phones, computers, and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing. Avoid washing your hands, showering, bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes.
- If you are in open water, go to land and seek shelter immediately.
- If you feel your hair stand on end, indicating that lightning is about to strike, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible to minimize your contract with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground. This is a last resort when a building or hard-topped vehicle is not available.
- If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 and get medical care immediately. Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge; attend to them immediately. Check their breathing, heartbeat and pulse.
For more information, visit www.nfpa.org or www.garlandfire.com