How to Prevent Gas and Electrical Fires and Explosions

April 4, 2009

Wisconsin loses scores of residents to fires and explosions caused by gas and electricity each year. Many injuries and deaths, in addition to property loss, could have been prevented with extra vigilance by homeowners, tenants, landlords and utility workers.

April 04, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Article provided by Aiken & Scoptur, S.C. Please visit our Web site at http://plaintiffslaw.com

Wisconsin loses scores of residents to fires and explosions caused by gas and electricity each year. Many injuries and deaths, in addition to property loss, could have been prevented with extra vigilance by homeowners, tenants, landlords and utility workers.

Prevention of Electrical Fires

Obviously, electricity has improved our lives immeasurably. Inattention to safety guidelines, however, can lead to devastating electrical fires that destroy homes and injure or kill residents.

Maintenance of electrical equipment and respect for the limitations of electrical circuits will go a long way toward preventing fires. This is especially important in rural areas of Wisconsin, where emergency personnel may take longer to arrive.

The following list describes ways to make your home less vulnerable to electrical fires.

Smoke detectors: Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, outside sleeping areas and in bedrooms. Check the batteries once a month and replace them once a year. If the alarms are powered by electricity, make sure there is a backup battery in each.

Extension cords: Do not place extension cords under rugs or carpets or in high-traffic areas. Do not overload extension cords. Inspect all extension cords periodically for fraying and wear.

Fuse boxes and electrical panels: When a fuse box or electrical panel feels warm to the touch, makes unusual noises or emits an odor, contact a licensed electrician for help. Never use a penny or other conductive device as a fuse replacement. Similarly, do not replace a fuse with a bigger one. Finally, do not touch the fuse box or electrical panel if water is on the floor nearby.

Wiring: Have old wiring inspected periodically and replace it when necessary. Be careful not to overload old wiring.

Outlets: Cover all outlets with protectors if young children spend time in the house. Never overload an outlet. If an outlet is warm to the touch, contact a licensed electrician. When an outlet is designed for two-pronged plugs, do not attempt to insert a three-pronged plug by removing one of the prongs. Surge protectors can help protect equipment from power surges.

Appliances: Be sure to purchase only appliances that have been approved by Underwriter's Laboratory or another recognized testing laboratory. If it is safe to do so, unplug an appliance when it falls in water. Be aware of wet floors and countertops, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. If an appliance's cord is frayed or the appliance sparks or emits smoke, replace or repair the appliance.

Lighting: Do not overload outlets with lamp cords. Use lampshades in case lamps fall.

Space heaters: Space heaters are common fire hazards. Provide clearance of at least three feet between space heaters and other items. Maintain space heaters in working condition and unplug them when they are not in use.

Escape routes: Go over an escape plan with your family in case of a fire. Settle on a meeting place that is a safe distance from the home. Practice the plan. Additionally, ensure that none of the doors in the home require a key to open from the inside. If there is a fire, remember to press your hand against a door before you open it (do not open it if it is hot) and remain close to the floor to lessen smoke inhalation.

Prevention of Gas Explosions

Natural gas powers stoves, ovens, clothes dryers and heating and cooling equipment. Natural gas can leak from these appliances, but it can also leak into a home from interior or exterior pipes. Natural gas can ignite and explode, and it can asphyxiate a person.

The rotten-egg smell of natural gas is a tipoff to its presence, but not everyone is able to detect the smell. Older people may have diminished senses of smell, as may people who have consumed heavy meals. It is advisable to install a natural gas detector in the home.

If you smell or detect natural gas, do not open a window. Do not do anything that could create a spark, including using the telephone, plugging in or unplugging an appliance or using a match.

Leave the building and, at a safe distance, call the utility company or emergency services and report the gas leak. Do not go back into the building until the gas company tells you it is safe to do so.

If you plan to dig outside, contact the gas company to find out if any buried gas lines are nearby.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

While it is impossible to avoid every danger, you will improve your chances of preventing electrical fires and gas explosions if you observe these guidelines.