Avoiding An Electrical Fire In Your Brunswick Home

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Electrical fires happen more often than you would think. Over 25,000 electrical fires happen here in the United States, and approximately 1,300 people lose their lives because of them annually; and even if the damage is not that extreme, fire damage can be extremely damaging to a home or business, oftentimes leading to unexpected water damage from firefighting efforts as well. There are some simple steps you can take to prevent these electrical fires from happening in your home and office, and we will share them here.

One of the most important steps you can take is to have your Brunswick home or business inspected for hazardous situations that can cause a fire. A licensed electrician can help to keep you, your loved ones, and your employees safe by letting you know what needs to be done. Replace wiring in older homes, since wiring is not made to last forever.

A very common cause of electrical fires is electrical cord, plug, and outlet damage. If these items are found to be tattered or frayed, worn out or showing burn signs, they need to be replaced immediately. Cords in poor condition can overheat or cause sparks, and so, a fire. Replacing damaged cords is a simple and relatively inexpensive safeguard against electrical fires and can even be purchased for your appliances separately if any are in poor condition.

In this day and age of digital everything, take steps to avoid overloading your outlets. Overburdened sockets are another risk factor for an electrical fire, and common as well. The United States Fire Administration recommends that you buy power strips that come equipped with internal overload protection; this feature will ensure that a strip shuts off its power supply as soon as it becomes overloaded, helping prevent fire damage.

Another hazard is the portable electric space heater, and most people are aware of the danger. But any appliance that plugs in can be dangerous if not used carefully. Flammable materials such as blankets, towels, and rugs, need to be watched and kept away from any appliances that produce heat or can overheat, as that can easily start a fire.

Faulty wiring is another hazard, and if a flickering lamp or sparking outlet is something you experience, contact a licensed electrician in the Brunswick area to make the repairs necessary. If anything that conducts electricity feels warm to the touch, have your electrician check it out and see if it needs to be replaced.

Just a few minutes of preventive measures and a few dollars to replace those items that could be dangerous can save lives and your Brunswick property, and save you from expensive fire damage clean up.

The experts at SERVPRO of Brunswick are experienced in helping to keep your home and property free from fire hazards and fire damage, as well as water damage and mold growth. Call them at (912) 264 9064