News and Safety Tips
Additionally, electrical cords and plugs were involved
in about 7,100 fires resulting in 120 deaths, or about 32% of all
deaths associated with residential electrical system fires, occuring
each year. By comparison, lamps and light fixtures were involved
in 8,900 fires and 60 deaths; switches and outlets were involved
in 4,700 fires and 30 deaths. In addition, about 3,000 people
are treated for injuries associated with extention cords.
Keep
little hands out of danger with these
inexpensive, easy to install
childproofing
products.
Start in the kitchen where children
are more prone to accidents. Remove the dials on the stove and
place protective covers over the control stem. Replace the dial and
snap the clear plastic cover over the top. Attach an oven lock to
the oven door. Add a refrigerator locking strap. Placesafety caps into any unused electrical outlets.
If your
youngsters try to unplug devices, install a snap-on outlet cover. If you have electrical cords dangling within reach of little hands,
try a cord shortener; also an excellent idea for window shades and
mini-blinds.
What are the latest statistics
on residential electrical injuries?
According to the
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), statistics indicate
there are 40,000 residential fires annually which are caused by problems
with electrical wiring, claiming more than 350 lives, causing thousands
of injuries from electric shocks and burns, and resulting in over $2
billion in personal property damage.
How can consumers help
protect themselves from electrical related injuries?
Consumers should check for problems in their home electrical systems.
Check outlets and extension cords to make sure thy're not overloaded.
Examine electrical cords to make sure they aren't frayed, damaged
or placed under rugs or lamps. Consider installing ground fault
circuit interrupters (GFCI's). One of the most important and
easiest precausions consumers can take is to test their smoke detectors
and replace batteries twice a year.
If you have an old house, with old wiring, how do you know
if repairs are necessary? How expensive will they be?
Electrical systems
age and can be overloaded, especially in older homes. Over
the years, as more lighting, appliances and equipment are added, the
electrical systems become overburdened and serious problems can result.
If fuses blow or circuit breakers protecting branch circuits trip
frequently, new branch circuits or other repairs will be necessary.
Depending on the condition of the equipment and the extent of the
rpairs, the cost could be nominal or could run into several thousand
dollars. A qualified electrician from Crimson Electric can determine
if repairs are needed and will give you an honest reliable estimate
of the job.
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