West Virginia Fire Safety Resource
e-Guide
e-Guide Index: - Fire Safety section:
Risk Factors > WV at Risk > Causes > Cooking > Smoking > Electrical > Heating > Arson
Electrical fires
Electrical fires start easily and spread rapidly. If you think there is an electrical fire, get out quickly.
Electricity and water - don't mix
Never use water on an electrical fire, it will only fuel the fire and make it spread faster.
Get out, call 911 and report an electrical fire.
Never overload circuits or outlets
So many of our homes were built before computers, big televisions and high wattage lamps. Before you plug in, be sure that your circuit was designed to carry the load. If it wasn't, unplug it.
Never tamper with or bypass safety features
As an example, if you force a plug with a grounding prong - a three prong plug - to fit into a two prong outlet, the outlet will heat up and you are at risk of an electrical fire. It can also cause an electrical shock to the user.
Make sure outlets have cover plates
Covering all electrical outlets, or replacing cracked or broken outlet covers, can cost only pennies but save thousands of dollars in fire damage.
Extension Cords
Use only the correct extension cord for the appliance you have and always replace damaged cords.
It is important that you not use extension cords with appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, space heaters and microwave ovens. Appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet on a circuit that is designed to carry the load. If you are not sure, consult with an electrician.
Never use extension cords in place of permanent wiring
Use an extension cord only to extend the distance between an appliance and an outlet. Plugging too many items into an outlet puts you, and everyone living in your home, in danger of and electrical fire.
Don't walk or roll over extension cords
Make sure all extension cords are kept out of traffic areas and aren't under rugs or furniture legs where cords can be damaged. A damaged cord is a fire danger.
Learn more
To learn more about electrical fire prevention, visit the Electricity segment of the Home Safety course on this Web site.
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