You Can Help Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that electrical fires is one of the top fire causes and risk for property fires? Here at SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda we want everyone in our community and the greater Sacramento area to stay safe and avoid property fires.

Here are a few tips on staying safe with your electrical appliances in your home. When it comes to electricity, the degradation of cords and sockets can cause a “short” to occur between the wires, this sparking may cause a fire.

• Socket Guards - Install socket guards when not using a plug, they are cheap and simple and can protect children from injury
• Unplug, Not Pull - When unplugging an appliance, make sure to pull from the base of the plug and not the cord to prevent damage
• Replace Damaged Cords - If you spot a damaged cord or cable, be sure to replace it before the damage becomes worse.
• Running cords or cables under your carpet can cause them to degrade over time when people step on them, and if they do become damaged you cannot see it
• Know Your Power - Check the wattage rating on cords to avoid overloading them. Don’t overload any circuit, don’t daisy chain adapters so that you can plug more into one socket
• Leave The Ground - Never cut the third prong and remove the grounding ability from high-powered electronics
• When placing extension cables, don’t leave them hanging on metal surfaces, heated surfaces, or sharp surfaces
• When buying extension cords, ensure they are certified by organizations such as “UL Listed”

Cords and sockets may not be the number on electrical fire threat but they are one that you have a little bit of control in preventing. SERVPRO of North Highlands / Rio Linda hopes that you and your family are disaster free but if a property fire does affect you, we are ready to help. For all of your fire, smoke, and other cleaning and restoration needs call us at (916) 991-1522. We have 24/7 emergency services because we know a fire never works with in your schedule.