According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, reviewing the electrical safety tips below and taking action can help residents reduce electrical fires.
- 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 an 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 an outlet.
- Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each 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.
- 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.
The NFPA recommends 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 breathing, heartbeat and pulse.