NFPA marks National Electrical Safety Month with tips to reduce risk of electrical fires

Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 46,500 home structure fires reported to the U.S. fire departments in 2010, accounting for 13 percent of reported home fires. These fires resulted in 420 deaths, 1,520 injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property damage, according to NFPA's Home Electrical Fires Report.

NFPA is marking National Electrical Safety Month (May) by reminding the public to be aware of the risks associated with the use of electricity and providing safety tips and information to assist individuals in taking steps to reduce the risk of home electrical fires.

According to Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Communications, “The risk of electrical fire may not always be on your mind, but it probably should be - there are actions that can be taken to eliminate electrical hazards in your household and safety guidelines that can be followed to reduce the chances of having a home electrical fire.”

National Electrical Safety Month is the perfect reminder that it’s time to review home electrical safety and put a plan into place that can be followed all year.” 

Comments

[Bankruptcy Attorney Glendale]

Great tips on reducing the risk of electrical fires. I completely agree that you always need to have at least 2 ways out in the case of emergency. And of course, you can never be too careful.

[ECPOWER]

Great article! I know I'm a little late but here's another helpful article I found with tips on electricity safety around the home: http://www.ecpowersystems.com/resources/Electricity-Safety-Tips-From-a-Power-Supply-Manufacturer.php

[Tyrone Brick]

Truly, life isn't a cartoon! There are lots of people who have lost their lives and their properties because of electrical safety problems that led to fire. Every month should be National Electricity Safety Month! :)