Focus on Fire Safety: Electrical Fire Safety
Electrical fires are pervasive throughout the United States, causing injury, claiming lives, and resulting in large losses of property. Most electrical fires result from problems with faulty electrical outlet
By the Numbers: Electrical Fires 28,000 Estimated number of electrical residential building fires each stimated number of electrical residential building fires each year in the United States 360 Estimated civlian deaths due to eletrical fires in the United States 1,000 Estimated civlian injuries due to eletrical fires in the United States $ 995 Million Estimated diret property loss from electrical fires each year |
s and old wiring. Problems with extension/appliance cords and plugs also cause many home electrical fires. To help prevent an electrical fire in your home, routinely check electrical appliances and wiring and replace all worn, old, or damaged cords immediately.
Causes of Electrical Fires
Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. Faulty electrical systems also cause many fires. In urban areas, fa
ulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.
Electrical fires occur most often during the months of December and January, winter months that call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Fifteen percent of residential electrical fires start in the bedroom. Replace worn, old, or damaged appliance cords right away.
Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family. |