Electrical Fire Safety Fire Prevention Week 2012 Electrical Safety Foundation International

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advanced Electrical Safety Technologies Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) Electrical Safety Foundation International

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources Visit for access to all of ESFI’s free electrical and fire safety resources. Electrical Safety Foundation International (703) Electrical Safety Foundation International