Electrical fires are one of the top causes of house fires in Canada. Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services are sharing tips on how to prevent electrical fires and help keep Quinte West residents safe.
Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services urges the public to pay close attention to electrical wiring and appliances in their homes. Every aspect of our lives rely on electrical power, from computers and kitchen appliances to power tools and cars. It is a fact that a cord or plug that becomes hot is an indication of an overloaded circuit.
Best practices for electrical safety in your home:
- Cords should never be run through holes in walls or ceilings, under carpeting or furniture, or in high-traffic areas where they could be subject to damage.
- Inspect cords frequently for fraying, missing grounding pins or other damage.
- Extension cords are designed for temporary use only and should not be used as a permanent power source.
- Extension cords and power bars should never be connected or used to power space heaters or other high-amperage equipment.
- Refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots and portable saws are examples of what should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
- Never overload a circuit. Operating multiple appliances or equipment can easily exceed the capacity of the wall outlet of an electrical circuit.
To learn more about fire prevention and safety please visit quintewest.ca.