Did you know Electrical Fires are the #1 Cause of Home Fires?

Did you know Electrical Fires are the #1 Cause of Home Fires? Home electrical fires claim the lives of hundreds of Americans each year and injure 1,500 more.


Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Each year, home appliance and wiring problems account for 49,000 fires, hundreds of deaths, and $670 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.

December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months because of the increased amount of indoor activities and lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know there are simple steps to take to prevent loss of life or property from electrical fires.

Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. In urban areas, however, problems with extension and appliance cords are the primary cause of home electrical fires. Statistics show; Electric stoves are involved in 53% of home appliance-related fires. However, these fires are mostly the result of careless cooking rather than stove malfunction.

Electric stoves and fixed heating units cause the most residential fire deaths, while electric stoves and portable heaters are the leading cause of residential fire injuries. Faulty Electrical Wiring and House Fires in urban areas; accounts for 28% of residential electrical fires. Nearly 30% percent of home electrical wiring fires can be traced to the misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or through high traffic areas.

Let’s talk about some Safety Precautions to use to Protect Your Home from Fires: Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring; frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords immediately. Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen. When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the UL standard for safety.

Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers. Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters. If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord. Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to make electrical outlets child-proof.

Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks. Finally, having a working smoke detector dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

To further protect your home, make sure you have homeowners insurance. Shopping around and comparing homeowners insurance quotes on the Internet can save you time as well as making the usual tedious task quick and easy. Also make sure your policy has Fire Protection. If you rent or lease, be sure to get a renters policy with fire protection.