How to Prevent Electrical Fires at Home

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

The devastating and sudden nature of electrical fires is unmatched by any other household fire accident. Electrical fires can be unpredictable, striking whenever an appliance or wire decides to malfunction. However, these instances are very preventable. With all the appliances running during this sweltering summer season, its very important that you follow these helpful tips and avoid disaster. However, no matter what season is, these tips may just save your home, belongings and even your life. Here’s a look at the various hazards around your house and how to deal with them responsibly.

• Air Conditioners
  • A/Cs Draw a Lot of Electric Current: Air conditioners use more electricity than most other appliances. For this reason, make sure they have their own outlets. Plugging A/Cs into extension cords or power strips may cause outlets draw too much current and start a fire. Also, make sure your A/C power cord is up to date and has a power reset button in case your unit’s power shorts out.
  • Limit A/C Usage: Somedays, it’s hard to go through the summer heat for even a minute without the aid of an A/C. This leads many homeowners leaving their units on 24/7. This habitual usage can lead to outlets and appliances catching fire while the owners are either sleeping or away. Turn off A/Cs for a few hours a day or use other cooling methods like fans when possible.
  • Make Sure You’re Up to Date: Air Conditioners get more dangerous with age. If Air Conditioners aren’t serviced regularly or replaced every few years, they’re highly likely to malfunction. If your unit is constantly tripping circuits, needing to be unplugged, heavily leaking or making more noise than usual, replacement or repair may be needed.

• Lamps and Other Lighting
  • Lighting and Lamps, The Leading Cause of Electrical Fires: For many reasons, lamps are a huge, but seemingly innocent, hazard. If your lamp is constantly tripping circuits, gives off a burning plastic smell when turned on or only works intermittently, stop using the lamp and seek a replacement.
  • Check Lightbulb Wattage: Check the factory recommended wattage requirements for your lamps and lighting fixtures. ONLY use lightbulbs that require the same wattage. While this seems like common sense, many people cause fires by replacing dead bulbs with whatever possibly unsafe new bulbs they may have lying around

• Power Cords
  • Be Careful with Extension Cords: Extension cords can come in handy, but can also cause a lot of destruction if not used right. A few things to avoid when using extension cords include using them with high-wattage appliances, using a cord with exposed wiring and plugging extension cords into power strips.
  • Don’t Overuse Outlets: Every outlet can only handle a certain amount of electric current. Exceed this current, and you run the risk of tripping circuits and destroying outlets. Make sure all of your appliances have the factory or manufacturer recommended power cords.
  • Invest in Surge Protectors: If you need a large number of outlets with very few installed in your home, investing in a surge protector is the way to go. They handle high voltage better than a standard power strip and protect against sudden power surges, keeping your outlets and appliances safe.

• Old Appliances
  • Signs You Need to Contact Your Landlord/An Electrician: As appliances age, they’ll give some warning signs that they are either failing or hazardous. Contact an electrician or your landlord if you see any of the following signs:
    • Sparking outlets
    • Flickering lights
    • Warm or discolored outlets
    • Burning rubber smell
    • Constantly blown fuses

If Your Home Suffers an Electrical Fire: If the worst-case scenario happens and an electrical fire breaks out, shut the power to your home off immediately. If you suffer from fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod at 508-778-7378. We’re on alert for your fire damage and smoke removal emergencies 24/7. From Mashpee to Provincetown, trust us to make it "Like it never even happened."