In order to prevent fires, one of the most important home-safety practices is ensuring that your home’s electrical system is in good working order. Electrical contractors can check your outlets and make sure that your major appliances and devices are properly installed and maintained.
If you’ve just moved into a new home, for example, you will want to make sure a safety inspection is conducted. If you are experiencing any type of electrical issues, it’s important to have electrical contractors check your wiring, outlets, and appliances.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the main causes of electrical fires in the home are clothes dryers; they account for 92% of all fires. After this, four percent of home fires are caused by washing machines, and four percent by combined washer and dryer units.
The NFPA attributes washer and dryer fires to the following causes:
- Not keeping the units clean: 32%
- Mechanical failure or malfunction: 22%
- Electrical failure or malfunction: 8%
It’s also important to note that fire risks exist equally for electric as well as gas-fueled dryers, according to the NFPA. In order to prevent fires caused by dryers, the NFPA recommends the following safety tips:
- Your dryer should be installed and regularly serviced by professionals.
- You should never use your dryer without a lint filter.
- You should always clean the filter, as well as any lint around the drum, before and after using.
In addition to ensuring that your home appliances are working properly, you also want to make sure that your generators are functioning optimally. This is particularly important when you live in an area that experiences heavy storms that cause the electricity to go out.
It’s important to have electrical contractors service your generators on a regular basis. When these devices are in good repair, you will have confidence that emergency power will be available when needed.
If you haven’t used your generator in a while, it would be a good idea to contact an electric company. When one of their professional electricians comes to your home to evaluate your generator, if needed, they can provide generator repair.
According to the NFPA, you need to be aware of the potential dangers associated with using portable generators:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Electrical shock or electrocution
- Fire hazards
In order to protect against these and other potential hazards, the NFPA recommends the following safety tips:
- Only operate generators in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
- Keep exhaust fumes from entering your home through doors, windows, and vents.
- Don’t operate generators in attached garages.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home.
- Adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines for alarm installation and maintenance.
- Be sure your generator is turned off and has cooled down prior to refueling.
- Keep generator fuel in an appropriate container, correctly labeled, and stored outside the home.
When an electric company comes to your home, they will be able to determine if you have any existing or potential issues. Furthermore, they will be able to address your home safety concerns and provide additional tips.
