The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

Winter Fire Safety Series: Electrical Fires

This blog is the fourth in a multipart series directed towards fire safety and prevention for the winter season. Within the United States there are over 485 deaths and 2,205 injuries as a result of electrical fires. Many electrical fires are caused by electrical system failures as well as appliance defects, but even more are caused by the inappropriate use and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, overload of circuits and extension cords, and incorrectly installed wiring.

Twice as many fires are caused by home wiring as opposed to electrical appliances, and most electrical fires occur during the winter months. The primary cause of avoidable electrical fires can be traced back to the misuse of electrical cords by overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running cords under rugs in high traffic areas.

In order to prevent an electrical fire, there are a number of precautions that should be taken:

• Routinely check both your electrical appliances and wiring for defects or wear. A frayed wire can result in a fire. All worn, old, or damaged wires should be replaced immediately.
• Practice using extension cords appropriately by not overloading them. An extension cord is overloaded when appliances plugged into the cord pull more wattage through the cord than the cord's rating allows. Additionally, when buying electrical appliances, buy products that meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standards for safety and do not buy bargain brand extension cords. Remember: even high-quality extension cords cause electrical fires when misused.
• Keep electrical appliances from wet floors and counters and take extra caution when using appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Do not allow children to play with or around electrical appliances.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three prong outlet.

Because more fires result from home wiring than electrical appliances, particular attention should be paid to extension cords. A Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) bulletin in February of 1999 stated that two million power strips, extension cords, and surge protectors had been involved in as many as twenty-five product recalls, ten of which were in 1999 alone. The CPSC believes that many of these devices are still in use, and most people of unaware of their dangers.

Besides electrical wiring and appliances, Christmas trees also pose a great hazard for causing a fire. Between years 2003 and 2006 there were an average of 240 residential fires that originated with the Christmas tree, causing an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries, and about $13 million in property damage. To reduce the likelihood of a Christmas tree fire, make sure you select the appropriate tree. When selecting a fake tree, make sure to check to ensure that the tree is labeled as flame retardant. If using a natural tree, pick one that is green and fresh; if the needles fall off when touched the tree is not fresh. Also, check the labels on your Christmas tree's lights to make sure that they have been tested by an independent laboratory; some lights are only appropriate for either indoor or outdoor use.

It is always a good idea to practice fire safety, but with record lows this winter increasing the use of additional heating appliances for the home, more caution is necessary. Following this list of precautions will reduce the likelihood of experiencing a life-threatening fire or thousands of dollars in property loss.