Home | Home | Home Security

Just Ask Vozz - Electrical Home Safety Tips

By: Don Carter

Read More About Home Security

Did you know that each year, there are 67,800 electrical fires in the home that take the lives of 485 people, injure 2,305 more, and cause $868 million dollars in property loss*? Some electrical fires are caused by lightning and poorly wired appliances, but frequently a lot more are caused by old wiring, bad use of electrical cords, and overloaded circuits. In fact, old wiring (perhaps done by do-it-your-selfers) causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances. While it is usually best to have any electrician service done by a licensed electrician, there are many things you can do around the home to help keep your family safe.

This article outlines simple steps you can take to prevent electrical fires in your home and prevent property damage and potential loss of life.

Basic simple statistics to consider

- December is the time of year when most electrical fires usually occur.

- Almost all electrical fires begin in the bedroom.

- In the winter months, deaths due to electrical fires are higher. This is usually due to the increased amount of indoor activities, increased lighting needs, heating, and appliance use.

- In urban areas, faulty wiring is the cause of over 33% of house electrical fires.

- The home appliances most involved in residential electrical fires are central heating appliances, electric stoves, dryers, televisions, radios, and stereo equipment.

These are some easy steps you can take to help prevent electrical fires in the home or business

- Carefully Consider any Do-It-Yourself electrical project. It is always to have any electrician work done by a journeyman electrician.

- NEVER run an extension cord under a carpet! The foot and chair traffic across the area rug will over time slice through the cord, causing an immediate fire hazard.

- Small space heaters are the cause of many fires. Keep clothes, draperies, and any combustible material at least three feet away from space heaters at all times.

- Always check all lamp cords, extension cords regularly, and look for signs of overheating, frayed insulation, or bent prongs. Always replace all worn or damaged electrical cords right away.

- Routinely check all of your appliances, especially where the cord connects, and look for signs of damaged wiring.

- Never let kids play with or near electrical appliances such as space heaters, hair dryers, or irons.

- Never force a 3 prong plug into a two prong outlet.

- Never overload extension cords or electrical outlets. As obvious as this may sound, there are a lot of fires that are started by people overloading electrical cords and outlets.

- If you find a light switch that is hot to the touch, or the lights dim when using that switch, call a licensed electrical contractor and replace it immediately.

- Regularly check any electrically powered tools. Make sure you replace any tool that gives off sparks, smoke, or small electrical shocks, or overheats.

- Install and routinely check smoke alarms.

- Practice a home escape plan in case of fire.

By following these straightforward steps you can help make sure your family and your house is safe from electrical fires.

* U.S. Fire Administration

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

This article was written by Don Carter and a licensed, insured Hollywood Electrician and Los Angeles Electrician at Vozzcom Electric.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Home Security Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From - Home | Home | Home Security
Sign Up for a free account.
Our other websites
All about SEO
Beauty Tips Forum
Submit Articles
Member Login
Link Us
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Sitemap
New Stuff
About Us
Developer
Good shopping portal
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

counter easy hit

Powered by Article Dashboard