Fort Mill Electrical Fire Safety Tips

7/15/2015 (Permalink)

Fort Mill fire safety

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

One of the most common causes of fire in American homes is faulty electrical wiring and electrical malfunctions. In fact, electrical malfunctions are responsible for nearly 15 percent of all house fires across the nation and lead to thousands of dollars in losses for homeowners and businesses alike. Unlike flooding, hurricanes or tornadoes, the risk of an electrical fire can be reduced and even prevented in some cases. Read on to learn how you can help preserve the integrity of your home or business with some simple electrical Fort Mill fire prevention tips.

Electrical Fire Facts and Figures

More than 25,000 electrical fires are reported in the United States each year and result in the injuries or deaths of approximately 1,500 Americans. These figures are proof that electrical safety cannot be overstated. Because electrical fires often cause more property damage than their non-electrical counterparts, they tend to be more costly than other types of Fort Mill fires.

Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets

The simplest method of avoiding the Fort Mill electrical fire hazard is to avoid the overloading of electrical sockets. Socket overload occurs when a person plugs too many cords into a single outlet, power strip or extension cord. A classic example is the full power strip attached to an extension cord and plugged into a single outlet.

To help avoid a Fort Mill fire from electrical outlet overload, be sure to purchase power strips that feature built-in overload protection. Overload protection will automatically shut the power strip down in the event of an overload to help prevent an electrical fire.

Don’t Use Damaged Plugs or Cords

Regularly inspect the cords to your appliances and electronics to avoid the hazard of frayed and damaged electrical cords. You may want to schedule a quarterly inspection of your home or business to locate any exposed wire or damaged connectors.

Hire a Home Inspector

If you live in an older home, you are likely to have outdated wiring systems. Even if your home is relatively new, you may still be able to benefit from a home inspector’s services, as electrical contractors have been known to cut corners or perform shoddy work. The cost of a home inspection is far less expensive than the cost generated by an electrical fire. As with any contractor, be sure that the home inspector is qualified to perform the job before granting permission to work on your property.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.