Simple Tips Can Help Prevent House Electrical Fires

You know you’re guilty.  We’ve all done it. 

You notice a light that flickers when you turn it on or maybe an extension cord that is just a bit past its prime. Maybe you have a faceplate that is a little loose or a ceiling fan that wobbles just a bit when you turn it on. Do you tell yourself you’ll take care of it tomorrow? Does it become next week, next month, next year? 

May is Electrical Safety Month and each one of those seemingly innocuous repairs can actually be putting you and your loved ones at risk.

There are more than 28,000 house fires each year, many of which are highly preventable.

In recognition of Electrical Safety Month, MXenergy wants to strongly encourage you to take just a few minutes to review key safety tips and hopefully prevent tragedy.

So what should you do?

Pay attention. Each one of those little signs, from a flickering light to a faceplate that is warm to the touch is your house talking to you.

Listen. Lights that flicker or outlets warm to the touch are signs something may be wrong with your wiring. You need a licensed professional electrician – sooner rather than later.

Go Shopping. When it comes to worn out electrical cords on lamps or extension cords from the 1980’s, it is not the time to pinch pennies. You can keep your outdated wallpaper but appliances, lamps, extension cords or any other electrical item showing wear and tear needs to be replaced today.

Don't Overload! Again, you know you are guilty. Chances are, somewhere in your house, is an overloaded outlet stuffed full of cords. As tempting and harmless as it may seem overloading that outlet is just asking for problems. Unplug unnecessary items and make sure all appliances and equipment are kept well away from curtains and other potential fire hazards. Remember, extension cords are meant to be a temporary rather than permanent wiring solution.

Listen for the Buzz. Do you ever hear buzzing or humming from an outlet or light fixture?  If so, again your house is trying to get your attention. You may have wiring going bad or an overloaded circuit and ignoring it could mean a fire is just around the corner.

Be Safe. Have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher (that you know how to use) on all levels of your house. 

Remember: NEVER throw water on an electrical fire! Water conducts electricity. Just like you wouldn’t want to be in a pool in an electric storm, you don’t want to try and douse an electrical fire. Reach for that fire extinguisher (the one we just discussed having handy on each level of your house) should you have an electrical fire.

We all get busy. Life can seem like a never-ending list of tasks and errands, but take the time this month to listen to your home. And, if you realize it is trying to talk to you, listen and then take action. 

To quote Ben Franklin, the father of electricity, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”