Electrical Fire Safety Checklist

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know each year, across the nation, electrical problems cause 68,000 home fires and 500 deaths. A fire caused by a faulty electrical system or electrical issue can destroy a home, and everything in it, within minutes. Check out the fire safety check list and see what you can do to prevent and electrical fire in your home or business.
Many of these items on the checklist Corah provided seem like “common sense” ideas. But, a surprising number of fires start because residents didn’t heed these tips:
Don’t overload extension cords or wall sockets.
Replace worn, old, or damaged electrical cords promptly.
Call a licensed electrician if you notice a burning smell coming from appliances, touch warm outlets or wall switches, have flickering lights, or see sparks coming from an outlet. (Sparks are an especially worrying clue!)
And, note that a residential electrical permit is needed from the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services to:
Install, change or repair any hard-wired electrical system.
Run additional wiring.
Put in an additional electrical outlet or light fixture.
Change your fuse box to circuit breakers.
Install or alter low voltage systems, such as a security alarm, stereo, computer, or phone system.Use special care when placing fasteners or nails near electrical wiring.

Call SERVPRO of West Kirkwood and Sunset Hills if you experience fire damage  in your home or business and well make it "Like it never even happened!"