While it powers many of the appliances that keep your household comfortable, your electrical system may also pose some dangers. In fact, there are over 45,000 residential electrical fires every year. To avoid fire damage and keep your family safe, utilize the following best practices.

4 Tips for Preventing Electrical Fires

1. Restrict Extension Cord Use

These long cords may come in handy for outdoor movie nights or for completing a project in the garage where there are no outlets, but they shouldn’t become a permanent solution. Essentially, they route power from where it should stop—the outlet—and carry it further than your electrical system intended.

This can result in overheating, especially if the wires are stepped on and become frayed. Instead, have your electrician install outlets where you need them.

2. Remove Flammable Items

Where there’s an outlet, cables, or heat-producing appliances, keep fabric away. That means, don’t hang dish towels on the electric oven, and make sure those living room throw blankets are safely folded on the couch. If a flammable fabric makes contact with a hot outlet plate or exposed wire, it’s only a matter of time before an electrical fire erupts.

3. Schedule Inspection

Depending on when your home was built, it could have outdated aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring. These systems aren’t capable of supporting today’s modern appliances. If the amperage is too low or the wires have become damaged with time, an electrical fire could start inside your walls. Therefore, you should schedule an inspection upon moving into a new house.

4. Put Preventive Measures in Place

In addition to having a working fire alarm in all of the main living spaces of your house, you should also keep an ABC fire extinguisher on hand. The “C” indicates that it is capable of fighting Class C fires that are sparked by electrical equipment. Make sure you and your family members know how to use this safety device correctly.

If your home was damaged by an electrical fire, turn to Arkansas Restoration Services. This Russellville company serves residents throughout Pope, Yell, Conway, and Johnson Counties, and has over three decades of experience. In addition to fire damage restoration, they also tackle smoke and water damage. To learn more about their advanced techniques, visit the website. You can also call (479) 967-2018 to schedule an appointment.