Between 2007-2001, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 47,820 reported home structure fires involving electrical failure or malfunction.
These fires resulted in 455 civilian deaths, 1,518 civilian injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage.
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Be sure to replace or repair damaged electrical cords.
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Avoid obstructing paths with extension cords as they can be a tripping hazard as well as damage the extension cords if stepped on.
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In homes with small kids, it is safest if your house has tamper-resistant (TR) outlets.
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To avoid the risks in extension cords, consider having additional wall sockets added by a competent and licensed electrician.
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Always follow all instructions given by a manufacturer when using a device that requires connection to a power source.
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Only plug one high-wattage appliance into each outlet. Overloading of outlets can lead to sparks and fires.
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If switches or outlets feel warm or frequently cause fuses to blow, stop using the outlet or switch and have a qualified electrician inspect and fix power source.
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As many light lamps and light bulbs get hot, always be sure to place lamps on level surfaces away from any materials that may ignite around heat.
• Always use proper wattage light bulbs as recommended by the manufacturer.
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Make sure your house has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) near any outlet that may encounter water, such as in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, cellar, and outdoor places.
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Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are important to install in your home to protect all electrical outlets.