Electrical Fire Safety Fire Prevention Week 2012 Electrical

Electrical Fire Safety Fire Prevention Week 2012 Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

What is Fire Prevention Week? • Fire Prevention Week is observed each October to raise awareness of fire safety • Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) • ESFI focuses on electrical safety while supporting NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week activities and messages Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Who is ESFI? • The premier non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety through education, awareness, and advocacy • Founded in 1994 as a cooperative effort by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Why is Fire Safety Important? • Fires happen every day and the toll they take on our lives is boundless • Every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire • Every 65 seconds, a fire occurs in a structure, and every 85 seconds, a residential fire strikes • A fire claims a civilian life every 2 hours and 49 minutes and results in a civilian injury every 30 minutes • 62% of home fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Why Focus on Electrical Fire Safety? • Electrical failure or malfunction is a leading cause of home fires year after year • Many home electrical fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and following safe practices Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Types of Fire Safety Strategies Prevention Strategies • Protect you home and family by taking steps to prevent fires Preparation Strategies • Prepare your home and family for a fire before one happens Knowledge and planning are the keys to keeping your family safe from fire! Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Preventing Electrical Fires • Understand the basics of your electrical system • Install advanced electrical safety technologies • Properly maintain your electrical system and components • Identify and correct potential electrical hazards Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Your Home Electrical System • Power Lines (above or below ground) • Electric Meter • Electrical Service Panel – Fuses – Circuit Breakers • Wiring System – Knob & Tube Wiring – Aluminum Wiring – Grounded Electrical System • Outlets, Switches and Appliances Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Electrical System Safety Tips • Safety should always be the main concern for working on or around electricity • ESFI recommends that a qualified, licensed electrician perform all home electrical work • Electrical work must comply with codes and standards Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Advanced Electrical Safety Technologies • Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) • Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Electrical System Maintenance • Test safety devices monthly – GFCIs – AFCIs – Smoke Alarms • Make sure electrical panel circuits are properly labeled • Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage • Keep electrical panel accessible Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Electrical System Maintenance • Electrical System Inspections – ESFI recommends that you have an electrical system inspection conducted if: • • Your home is 40 years old or older You purchase a previously-owned home Your home has undergone a major renovation You have added major new appliances in the last 10 years Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Identifying Electrical Hazards • Protect your family from fire and other electrical hazards by identifying potential electrical hazards and correcting them before a more serious situation can result • Regularly check the following electrical devices for warning signs or damage: – Lamp, appliance and extension cords – Wall switches and outlets Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Identifying Electrical Hazards – Countertop appliances and small electrical products (toaster, coffee maker, hair dryer) – Large appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer) – GFCIs and TRRs – Portable heaters – Light bulbs – Smoke alarms – Electrical service panel (fuses, circuit breakers) Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Fire Safety Preparations • Install smoke alarms according to current recommendations • Test smoke alarms every month • Prepare a fire escape plan • Have two ways out of each room • Practice your fire escape plan with fire drills Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org

Additional Resources • Visit www. electrical-safety. org for access to all of ESFI’s free electrical and fire safety resources. Electrical Safety Foundation International (703) 841 -3229 info@esfi. org Electrical Safety Foundation International www. electrical-safety. org