Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Prevent Electrical Fires

What is an Arc-Fault? An Arc-Fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Arc-faults can occur when older wires become frayed or cracked, when a nail or screw damages a wire behind a wall, or when outlets or circuits are compromised. Why do I need Arc-Fault Protection? […]

Fire Prevention Week 2015 – Bedroom Safety

Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, is October 4-10, 2015 with the theme “Hear the Beep Where you Sleep” to remind you that every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm. In addition to functioning smoke alarms, there are many safe practices that can help prevent fires and promote electrical safety through your […]

Fire Prevention Week 2015 – Garage / Utility Room Safety

Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, is October 4-10, 2015 with the theme “Hear the Beep Where you Sleep” to remind you that every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm. In addition to functioning smoke alarms, there are many safe practices that can help prevent fires and promote electrical safety through your […]

Fire Prevention Week 2015 – Living Room Safety

Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, is October 4-10, 2015 with the theme “Hear the Beep Where you Sleep” to remind you that every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm. In addition to functioning smoke alarms, there are many safe practices that can help prevent fires and promote electrical safety through your […]

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 […]

Fire Wire: Old Aluminum Wiring Foils Safety

National Electrical Safety Month 2015 Copper is the preferred and predominate metal used in electrical wiring. However, due to a surge in copper prices during the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, many homes instead used aluminum wire throughout residential distribution systems. Years later, reports of fires began to reveal hazardous conditions caused by the use […]

Smoke Alarm Maintenance Calendar

Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working properly Use this calendar to record the dates that you perform your annual smoke alarm maintenance activities. If you are unable to complete these tasks yourself, give this calendar to a family member or friend and ask them to assist you. Remember that smoke alarms […]

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 […]

Battery Safety Tips

When used correctly, batteries provide a safe and dependable source of power. However, if they are misused or abused, overheating, leakage, or in extreme cases explosion or fire, can occur. Safety Tips Follow these safety principles when using batteries: Always follow warnings and manufacturers instructions for both the batteries and the battery-operated product. Use only […]

Appliance Safety Tips

An appliance which repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker could indicate a defect that may cause a fire or electrical shock. Unplug the appliance immediately and have it repaired or replace. Make certain all small appliances and tools are approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL-SEMKO (ETL) […]

Kitchen Safety Tips

Cooking Up Safety in the Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share warm meals, and reconnect with each other, but it’s also the location where two-thirds of all home fires start. Identify and correct potential hazards in your kitchen before someone gets hurt. Kitchen […]