Stay fire safe while staying warm this winter
(Source: edmonton.ca)
Electrical failures and malfunctions were responsible for more than 100 fires totaling $8 million in damages in Edmonton last year. These costly and dangerous fires are more common during the winter months when the use of heating and lighting appliances increases. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is reminding residents to stay safe as the temperature drops by following these fire prevention tips:
- Have all electrical work in your home or business done by a qualified electrician.
- Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
- Plug major appliances and space heaters directly into a wall, not an extension cord.
- Do not run electrical cords across doorways or under carpets.
- Do not use extension cords to meet your long-term electricity needs. Have a qualified electrician add more electrical outlets to your home or business instead.
- Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture; never exceed the recommended wattage for a lighting appliance.
- Maintain a minimum of one metre of space around furnaces and space heaters and combustible materials.
- Consider installing an arc fault short circuit interrupter (AFCI) in your home. An AFCI is a circuit breaker that shuts off electricity when a dangerous condition (electrical arc) occurs.
If you experience a fire, leave the home immediately and call 911.
Pinoy Edmonton News 