Avoiding Electrical Fires in Your Northern Summit County Home

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure that your home is safe by checking your electronics.

ELECTRICITY is essential to the modern home and we rarely think twice about it when we flick a switch.

But with our homes having ever more machines, devices and equipment hooked up to the main supply – many running 24/7 – we cannot afford to be too cavalier in our approach to electricity, as if things are not running properly a fire can soon break out.

Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or exposed wires, never force plugs into outlets or remove the third grounding pin to make it fit a two-prong socket, and do not overload outlets with adapters.

Cords should not be frayed or cracked or hidden under carpets or rugs, and do not nail or staple them into place. Extension cords are designed for temporary use only, not permanent fixtures.

Light bulbs should be the correct wattage for the fixture’s design – do not put higher watt bulbs in as they can overheat – or replace with low power LED bulbs. Make sure they are screwed in tightly.

And wherever possible install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – GFCIs – especially anywhere water could be present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, workshop, garage, basement, and outside.

Check fuses are the right rating for what they are doing and check circuit breakers are working. Check wiring regularly for defects – loose wires or fixtures are common flashpoints for fires and popping or sizzling sounds in walls are a warning sign.

And if appliances start to act up, regularly blowing fuses or tripping breakers, it is a sign something is wrong – unplug immediately and get it checked or replaced.

But if the worst does happen and a fire starts in your home, SERVPRO of Northern Summit County is on standby 24/7 to clean up and repair your home.