Residential Electrical Fires Cause 470 Deaths in 2009 According to National Statistics

In many cases, people think of residential fires as being the result of food that was overcooked in the oven or a lit cigarette that wasn’t disposed of properly. However, it’s important to note that another type of blaze is more common than most of us think: electrical fire.

In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2009, approximately 44,800 home structure fires that fire rescue crews responded to in the United States involved electrical failure or breakdown. These flames caused more than 470 deaths and 1,500 injuries.

As a result of these statistics, it’s critical that homeowners know what they can do to prevent this type of fire. In addition to properly taking care of electrical devices, they should also:

1) Fix or replace defective electrical gadgets and cords that are showing signs of wear and tear.

2) Remember not to plug too many devices into an outlet at one time. Less is always more.

3) Don’t use extension cords for long periods of time. They are only meant to be temporary.

4) Call an electrician if you have any questions about the safety of your outlets. These professionals can come to your home and not only perform an inspection but advise you as to to improvements that can be made.

Ensuring that you have a properly working fire alarm is just as important as following the advice above. If you don’t and would like to know more about how this system can save your family’s life, consider contacting a company in your area that is well-versed in fire alarm installation and fire alarm sales.