Each year there are 24,300 residential appliance fires resulting in 100 deaths and 925 injuries
Some electrical fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects; however, many more are caused by misuse, poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords
Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire by nearly a half
Appliance Safety Life-Saving Tips
Don't let children play near electrical space heaters; keep clothes, curtains and other flammable items at least three feet away from heaters
If an appliance has a three-prong plug, never force it into a two-slot outlet or extension cord
Immediately repair appliances or lamps that sputter or spark
In case of a fire, crawl or stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke
Instead of a simple extension cord, get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers
Keep appliances away from wet areas, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, basement and garage
Never overload outlets or extension cords
Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside bedrooms; if you keep your bedroom doors closed, place a smoke alarm in each bedroom
Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan
Regularly inspect your extension cords for fraying and never use an extension cord as permanent wiring
Routinely check your wiring, look for outlets that don't work, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker