Delve and Spin

Each year, around 310 people in the United States die because of fires caused by faulty wiring or electrical systems in homes. It further injures around 1,100. Some of these reported fires are due to failure in a home’s electrical system but a majority is caused by wiring that is incorrectly installed, circuits that are overloaded, and extension cords that went out of hand.

Authorities want regular citizens to know that there are many simple safety steps that we can do on a day to day basis to help us prevent the loss of life or property due to electrical fires.

In a typical year, electrical wiring is involved in 53% of residential electrical fires. There are also around 28,600 fires annually that result from home electrical problems that totals to property losses amounting to $1.1 billion.

The months that are more prone to electrical fires are December and January because these winter months call for more activities that are done indoors. This means more need and consumption of electrical energy from lighting and appliance to heating use.

A home’s fixed wiring such as faulty electrical outlets and old wirings are the common causes of most electrical distribution fires. Many homes encounter problems with cords, receptacles, switches and plugs. There’s also the factor of light fixtures and lamps. Many electrical fires result from avoidable factors such as misuse of electrical cords and overloading circuits.

Safety and precaution are always advised. The electrical wirings and appliances should always be routinely checked. If you find any damaged or worn out old electrical cords, replace them immediately. Also, if you have electrical tools that cause small electrical shocks or give off sparks, they should be replaced right away. Electrical products that you buy for your home should be evaluated by authorities such as the UL. Lastly, child-proof outlets should be used at home and your shouldn’t allow children to play near electrical appliances.