Electrical Safety

Electrical fires account for a shocking number of fires in the United States each year. Typically one-third (approximately 135,000) of all fires, almost 900 deaths, 5,000 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage is attributable to electrical fires.

Electrical fires primarily start in the bedroom. Most electrical fires result from home appliances that product “controlled heat”, such as irons, electric blankets and hair dryers. Portable heaters are the primary cause of electrical fires in urban areas. Fixed wiring, which refers to junction boxes, cables and wiring in raceways of a building, accounts for more than 22% of electrical fires in residential homes; most of which is wiring that was added without professional assistance.

To avoid electrical fires, look for signs of overloaded wiring and follow the following basic safety guidelines:

• Overloaded wires include frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers, slow heating appliances, frequent dimming lights and shrinking television picture.

• Unplug appliances after use.

• Never wrap a cord around a warm appliance.

• Replace broken plugs or frayed, damaged or worn cords immediately.

• Plug in only one appliance per outlet.

For more information on this or any fire prevention tips, contact Lt. Jay Caron, Public Education Officer, Lisle-Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 353-3030.