The state’s Department of Fire Safety (DFS) has designated May as Electrical Safety Month. And for good reason. According to DFS, electrical fires were the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts in 2014. From 2009 to 2013, Massachusetts fire departments reported 2,694 home fires caused by electrical problems. These fires caused 35 civilian deaths, one fire service death, 138 civilian injuries, 311 fire service injuries, and an estimated dollar loss of $122.6 million. The average loss per fire was $45,499.
Potential Warning Signs and Hazards
The DFS recommends that you call 911 immediately if you have any of these warning signs:
- Arcs, sparks, or short circuits
- Sizzling or buzzing sound
- Odors, vague smell of something burning
Harvard’s firefighters are equipped with thermal imaging technology they can use to detect excessive heat inside a building’s walls.
Call a professional electrician soon, says DFS, if you have any of these warning signs:
- Frequently blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
- Dim or flickering lights; bulbs that wear out too fast
- Overheated plugs, cords, or switches
- Shock or mild tingle, more than normal static electricity
- Loose plugs
- Unusually warm or faulty outlets or switches
Do you have any of the following electrical hazards in your home? If so, DFS recommends you correct them or contact an electrician to help you eliminate or mitigate the hazards. Here are some electrical home hazards listed by DFS at its website:
- Overloaded outlets: More than one appliance cord plugged into one wall outlet. You might need more outlets in that particular room(s).
- Cords pinched behind furniture like couches or bureaus.
- Overloaded power strips: They should only be used with a few low-current devices such as electronics.
- Lamps or fixtures with lightbulbs higher than the recommended wattage: Most lamps recommend 60 watts. Be careful where you use higher wattage lightbulbs.
- Electrical cords underneath rugs, carpet, or furniture: Move them to reduce the risk of fire from overheating caused by worn insulation.
- Cords with frayed wires or cracked insulation: Replace them with new ones having a certification label from an independent testing laboratory.
- An extension cord that is not properly rated for the appliance it powers; typical “lamp cord” extension cords cannot carry the electrical current needed for appliances such as space heaters or air conditioners.
- Cords or wires that are nailed into place: This can cause electrical shorts and arcing.
- Indoor appliances and cords being used outdoors.
Kerra Huchowski is a firefighter and the SAFE coordinator for the Harvard Fire Department.
