ARLINGTON, VA – Electrical fires occur in homes more in winter than any other season.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that more than half of the 45,000 annual electrical
fires occur between December and February. The causes of electrical fires can range from
damaged wiring, lighting equipment and space heaters, to washer and dryer fans and outdoor and
indoor holiday decorations. The falling leaves of October are yet another reminder that as we turn
our attention toward spending more time indoors with family and friends, we need to pay extra
attention to keeping our homes safe from fires.
“As firefighters and emergency responders, we have the great responsibility of not only
helping to educate the public about the dangers of electrical house fires but also about how to
proactively prevent them before they start,” said Fire Chief John S. Butler, Fairfax County (VA)
Fire and Rescue Department and International Association of Fire Chiefs President. “When we
collaborate alongside our community, we can reduce injuries, save lives, and prevent property loss.
Keeping a home safe from fire takes everyone working together.”
Electrical fire experts offer a few simple ways to prevent house fires:
Be mindful of supplemental electrical needs: Keep portable generators outside, away from
windows and as far away from your home as possible. Extension cords should only be used
temporarily and be sure to check cords regularly for damage. Have an electrician install additional
wall outlets where you need them.
Use appliances properly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where and how to use
appliances. Remember to unplug all appliances when not in use. Make sure small kitchen
appliances are unplugged and allowed to cool before cleaning.
Don’t overload circuits: Plug only one heat-producing appliance (like a space heater) into
an electrical outlet at a time.
Keep home electrical systems up to date: Make sure your home follows all current National
Electrical Code requirements for new construction and renovation including use of Arc Fault
Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) to prevent electrical fires..
Arc fault circuit interrupters were created in the 1990s as a direct response to damaged
wiring systems that caused thousands of residential fires. In 1999 AFCIs became a National
Electrical Code requirement. Today, AFCI breakers provide families with a high level of
protection by stopping hazardous arcing conditions before an electrical fire can start.
“Embracing innovations like arc fault circuit interrupters is essential in safeguarding our
families and preventing an electrical fire from happening to our homes,” said Ashley Bryant Kees,
Senior Product Manager, Electronic Circuit Breakers, at Siemens and member of the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association LVDE AFCI Task Force. “Proven technologies like these
will help protect families, firefighters and communities everywhere during the holidays and
beyond.”
For more information on the NEMA LVDE AFCI Task Force visit www.afcisafety.org and
the International Association of Fire Chiefs at www.iafc.org.
