Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire Safety: Reducing Fires through Electrical Safety

Electrical fires in homes and offices claim millions of lives and property each year. These are fires that are caused by electrical system failures, incorrect installed wiring, defects in appliances and overloaded circuits. These kinds of fires are fatal. Before the fire fighters can even control the fire and use their fire fighting equipment, it has already caused tremendous damage. Fire deaths are most dangerous in the month of December because it calls for more indoor activities, heating, lighting and appliance use.

The heartbreaking reality in a home fire is that many could have been prevented in the first place. People’s actions and how they fail to determine the hazards they create in their homes and workplaces is a factor in the start of a fire outbreak. They often do not follow fire regulations that are essential to prevent the incidence of fires.

Frequently, electrical fires result from problems with fixed wirings. These are faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. You should never overload electrical outlets and circuits. This overloaded outlet is a major cause of household fires. These outlets transmit too much electricity which is able to produce heat in unnoticeable amounts. This heat can cause a wear in the internal wiring system and can start a fire. Be more careful in handling your electrical outlets and installing an automatic fire extinguisher will reduce the chances of a fire reigniting.

To prevent overloading, it is advised to never plug more than two appliances into an outlet. You should also give special considerations to appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners and avoid plugging them into the same circuit. Have your appliances routinely checked for damaged wiring. It is also your responsibility to replace old and worn out appliance cords because frayed wires are fire starters. Position your electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters. And most importantly, when buying electrical appliances, you should look for products which meet the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.

Many avoidable fires can be traced back to the misuse of electrical cords like poor maintenance and overloading circuits. Frayed cords expose electrical wires which spark on contact with each other or anything that can ground the electrical current. It is indispensable you check your electrical cords regularly because electrical cords deteriorate gradually making damage difficult to detect. Inspect all cords at least once every six months. If you discover a loose or frayed cord, replace them immediately.

Install a smoke alarm in your home or office to alert you to potential dangers that you cannot detect such as a slow smoldering fire in an overloaded circuit. You should also be ready with an escape plan for your family. In the workplace, there are usually fire escape routes to take. Familiarize yourself with the fire exit signs to help you be prepared in cases of emergency.

Preventing a fire from starting in the first place is the best method for fire safety. You should spend a little time in checking and maintaining electrical appliances, cords and outlets in your home and office. This might be an investment that can possible save your life. Safe use of these electrical appliances and outlets, a functional smoke alarm, an electrical fire extinguisher and a fire escape route may be all that you need to protect you from the dangers of fire.