Indiana Electric Cooperatives: Preparation is Key to Preventing Home Electrical Fires

Learn about common causes of home electrical fires and keep your family and property safe.

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INDIANAPOLIS - During Fire Safety Month, Indiana Electric Cooperatives reminds you to consider home electrical fire safety to avoid putting yourself and your property at risk.

In the United States, approximately 47,000 electrical home fires occur annually, causing nearly 300 deaths, 900 injuries, and more than $1.2 billion in property damage. However, many of these fires can be prevented simply by following basic safety practices and being aware.

Follow these tips to prevent home electrical fires:

• Have your home inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure all electrical work is up to code, especially if it’s older than 20 years.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test them monthly and replace the batteries every year. Replace alarms every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.
• Do not overload outlets. Power strips do not provide more power to a location, only more access to the same limited capacity of the circuit into which it is connected.
• Keep heat-producing appliances unplugged when not in use.
• Install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to safeguard against arc faults, which could cause a fire.
• Use extension cords only temporarily and never run them through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors.
• Immediately unplug an appliance that repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker and have it repaired or replaced.
• In homes with young children, install tamper-resistant plugs to prevent electrical shocks and burns.
• Don’t ignore warning signs of trouble, such as flickering lights, odd odors and unusual buzzing sounds.