With October being National Fire Safety Month, it’s a good time to be reminded of the fire hazards around your home. One of the biggest fire safety hazards in your home is electrical problems. Electrical failure or malfunctions account for almost 34,000 home fires, on average, per year and result in roughly 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Everyone should have their home inspected by a licensed electrician about every 10 years. If you have flickering lights, blown fuses, or warm or discolored wall plates, you should get an inspection sooner. Below are some safety tips for your home.
Electrical circuit safety tips
Electrical circuits can be a major fire hazard in your home if you’re not careful. Remember these tips:
- Don’t overload electrical circuits – plug too many appliances into one outlet.
- Major appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, etc.) need their own outlets.
- Don’t use frayed or damaged cords.
Space heating equipment safety tips
Space heaters are the 2nd leading cause of house fires, so
- Place at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
- Make sure they are placed on flat ground and never use if the cord is damaged.
- Don’t use an extension cord, plug directly into the wall.
- Always turn off heaters when you go to sleep or leave a room.
Smoke Alarms
Every house should have working smoke alarms on every level of you home. Replace the 9-volt batteries once a year, and be sure to test your alarms regularly throughout the year. Smoke alarms 10 years or older should be replaced with new ones.
At Weather Master, we can perform an electrical inspection of your home’s electric system, including your heating and cooling system. Our professional technicians will ensure safe operations and can fix any issues you may have. Give us a call today or schedule online!