■ play it safe Protect Your Home from
Electrical Fires Simple principles and safe practices that could save your life
working with electricity. Try to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to perform all home electrical work in compliance with local and national safety standards.
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Consider having your circuit breakers replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which provide enhanced electrical fire protection by detecting dangerous arcing conditions.
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Make sure all electrical panel circuits are properly labeled. Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage.
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Keep the area around the electrical panel clear so you can easily shut off power in an emergency.
BYGUY DALE COORDINATOR OF SAFETY & LOSS CONTROL
ach year, electrical failures and malfunctions cause 43,900 home fires, resulting in 438 deaths, 1,430 injuries, and $1.47 billion in property damage. The saddest part about this statistic is that home electrical fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and following safe practices.
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With Fire Prevention Week campaign on Oct. 6-12, I think it’s appropriate to focus on home electrical safety. Safety should always be the top priority when you’re
12 | october 2013
• Every month, use the TEST button to check that ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) at outlets and AFCIs are working properly.
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Be mindful of warning signs of an electrical problem, such as outlets and switches that are warm or make crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises.
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Regularly check cords, outlets, switches, and appliances for signs of damage. Do not use damaged electrical devices.
• Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis, and never use them with space heaters or air conditioners.
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Avoid overloading outlets.
Do not use lightbulbs that exceed the recommended wattage of the light fixture or lamp.
Despite your best efforts at prevention, a fire could still happen. Make sure your family is prepared to make a safe escape:
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Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
• Test smoke alarms every month by pushing the TEST button.
• • •
Create a family fire escape plan that includes two ways out of each room.
Pick an easy-to-find meeting place outside, a safe distance from your home.
Practice your escape plan by having at least two fire drills a year. One fire drill should be at night while your family is sleeping.
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If anyone in your household is hearing impaired, consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration to alert you to a fire emergency. ■
Guy Dale oversees CEC safety programs and teaches CPR courses for the public. To visit with Guy Dale about a safety concern, or to schedule a CPR class, please call him at 800-780-6486, ext. 227.
Lucky Account # 38845509. $75 BILLCREDIT! If this number matches the account number on your bill, you must notify CEC by the 10th of month (via email, phone, or in person) to claim the $75 bill credit. (Unclaimed credits roll over to the next month; up to a $100 bill credit.) Please call 800-780-6486, ext. 207.
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