Preventing Holiday Decorating Hazards Video Public Service Announcement (PSA)

While decorative lights and other electrical decorations add to the splendor of the season, they can increase the risks of fire and electrical injuries during the holidays if not used safety. Follow the basic safety guidelines outlined in this high-quality video to help prevent serious electrical and fire hazards as you decorate your home and […]

Holiday Electrical Safety Reminders PSA

During the holiday season, many people put themselves at increased risk of electrical fires and accidents. An increase in indoor activities combined shopping, entertaining and cooking for family and friends causes many to forget basic safety. ESFI offers tips to encourage in-home safety during the holidays.  

Prevent Holiday Electrical Fires PSA

The holiday season is a prime time for entertaining, but decorative lights and home cooked meals that add to the ambiance also increase the likelihood of home fires and electrical accidents. Prevent electrical fires and protect your family this holiday with these helpful tips from ESFI.  

Home Fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults

Use this checklist to help find and correct fire safety hazards in your home before they can start a fire or injure someone.   The checklist includes steps for reviewing: Smoke Alarms Fire Escape Plans Kitchens Electrical Switches and Outlets Electrical Cords Electrical Panel Heating Equipment  If you are unable to complete of the items […]

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI): Advanced Electrical Fire Protection for the Home

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are advanced safety devices that can prevent electrical fires before they even have a chance to start. AFCI Facts Many home electrical fires are started by arcing faults. Arcing faults happen when electrical wiring becomes damaged, stressed, overheated or worn.  Wiring inside the wall can be damaged by nails, screws, […]

Home Electrical Fires

Facts and Statistics Home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly than 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. Electrical distribution systems are the third leading cause of home structure fires. Each year in the United States, arcing faults are responsible for starting more than 28,000 […]

Heat Your Home Safely

Follow these tips to safely heat your home during the frigid winter months 32% of home fires are caused by space heaters More home fires occur during the cold winter months than at any other time of year Make sure to follow these important tips before you plug in: Place space heaters on a flat, […]

Oh Christmas Tree, Much Hazards do you Bring Thee

According to the National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 230 home fires that start with Christmas trees each year. Whether you’re pinning for pine, fervent for fir or even if you’re ardently artificial, Christmas tree fires can be avoided by following some simple safety tips. 

Fire Prevention Week 2014: Be Proactive, Save Lives

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s theme for Fire Prevention Week 2014, “Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month,” encourages the public to make sure their smoke alarms are in working order.  From October 5-11, 2014, the NFPA leads the charge for home fire safety and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) provides resources […]

Candle Safety Tips

Candles start almost half of all home fires related to decorations.  Minimize your risk with these candle safety tips from ESFI: Avoid using candles when possible.  Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles. Never leave an open flame unattended.  Keep burning candles within sight. Place lighted candles away from combustible material such as […]

Don’t Go Up in Smoke: E-Cigarette Safety

E-cigarettes seem to be everywhere. Currently 32% of adult smokers use e-cigarettes, and Bloomberg Industries expects e-cigarettes sales to surpass regular cigarette sales by 2023. But e-cigarettes have their own unique problems compared to traditional cigarettes; they are unregulated and fires caused by them have been increasing as the industry expands. Take these steps to […]

Fire Safety Planning Checklist

Once the smoke alarm sounds, you may only have a few minutes to get to safety outside the house. You need to plan ahead and be prepared before a fire emergency happens. Follow these simple steps to make sure your family is prepared to make a safe escape!