Electricity – a Checklist to Help You Reduce Fire Risks at Home

Americans use a lot of energy in our homes, mostly through electric power. Sometimes we take for granted that it’s safe, clean and efficient.

But before our energy use kicks into high gear with the hotter temperatures that will soon arrive, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has a few handy tips for you.

ESFI designates May as Electrical Safety Month, and points out that electricity can present unexpected hazards and dangers.

Home electrical problems, says ESFI, cause more than 55,000 home fires each year, killing at least 500 people, injuring more than 1,400 and causing more than $1.4 billion in property damage.

Take some time this weekend to walk through your home and check this list.

In each room

• Make sure bulbs are the right wattage for each lamp or light. A too-high wattage can overheat and lead to a fire.
• Check lamp and extension cords to be sure they’re in good condition.
• Check all wall outlets and switches to be sure they work properly, are cool to touch and are quiet. Buzzing or crackling outlets need to be checked by an electrician.
  

In the kitchen

• Check countertop appliances to be sure cords are well away from hot surfaces and away from the sink. Make sure outlets are GFCI protected.
• Check all large appliances to be sure they’re not carrying static electricity.
• Make sure there are no pot holders or plastic utensils above or on the stove.

In the bedroom

• Check for tamper-resistant outlets.
• Make sure you have no portable heaters near drapes, curtains, or papers.
• Check smoke alarms and test each (there should be a smoke alarm inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area).

In the bathroom

• Check to be sure bathroom outlets are protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). These should be in every area – kitchens, baths, laundry rooms – where risk of electric shock is high.
• Check small electrical appliances like hair dryers and curling irons. Make certain they’re unplugged when not in use (if they’re plugged in, they may result in an electrocution hazard if they fall into water). Be sure these appliances are in good condition.

In the garage or basement

• Be sure your fuse or circuit breaker box is labeled to identify what circuits power each room in the house.
• Make certain everyone in the household knows where the fuse or circuit breaker box is and how to turn off and restore power to the house.
• If you are regularly resetting tripped circuit breakers, the circuit may be overloaded. Consult an electrician.
• Does your home have Arc Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)? These devices replace standard circuit breakers and help to reduce the risk of home electrical fires. If you wish to install this protection, you will need to consult a licensed electrician for assistance.

For more information about electrical safety at home, go to www.electricasafety.org.

*Electrical Safety Foundation International.