Electrical Safety Month: Improved Home Safety Needed To Prevent Electrical Fires

With over 450 electrical house fires happening every day, government safety experts are urging consumers to inspect their homes and apartments for electrical hazards which could trigger another house fire.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission which is sponsoring the May observance of National Electrical Safety Month, there are an estimated 169,000 house fires of electrical origin each year, claiming 1,100 lives and injuring 5,600. Property losses are estimated at $1.1 billion a year.

In non-fire related accidents, CPSC estimates that 340 Americans are electrocuted each year in accidents involving consumer products while an estimated 7,700 consumers require hospital emergency room treatment for electrical shock or electrical burn injuries.

Among the commonplace electrical hazards frequently overlooked in the home are the following:

-- Burying electrical cords under rugs and carpets. In such cases, move the lamp or electrical product closer to a receptacle so that the cord is out from under carpets and away from foot traffic.

-- Using extension cords on a permanent basis. Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Rearrange lights, etc., so that extension cords aren't needed, or have new electrical outlets installed to eliminate the need for extension cords.

-- Frayed, stiff or cracked electrical cords. Such cords pose electrical and fire hazards. Check cords now to make sure they don't pose hazards.

-- Warm or hot cover plates over electrical outlets. These conditions often indicate an unsafe wiring condition, in which case an electrician should be called in to inspect the wiring.

-- Flickering lights. A number of problems cause lights to flicker, most often related to faulty wiring of the receptacle, the wall switch or the electrical product itself.

-- An electrical product that shocks you. Stop using the product at once and have it inspected and repaired by an electrical repair shop. Continued use of the product could result in an electrocution.

CPSC has developed an electrical safety checklist to help homeowners locate and correct common electrical hazards around the home which often cause shocks and fires. The checklist guides consumers on a room-by-room inspection to pinpoint electrical hazards.

Consumers may obtain a free copy of the home electrical safety checklist in English or Spanish by sending a postcard to Electrical Safety, Washington, D.C. 20207.