An electrical fire in the home can pose a serious threat to your family and property. Taking the following steps now will help you avoid needing fire damage repair and smoke damage restoration in the future. 

Do:

Know the signs of a problem.

Small signs may indicate big problems with your electrical system. Among the most common are burn marks on or around sockets and light fixtures, burning odors or sparks that occur when you plug in a device, and consistently blown fuses. You might notice that outlets and cords feel hot when you touch them too.  

Replace your aging wiring.

The ideal wiring option for modern homes is copper. Aging electrical systems that feature knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring can increase your risk of an electrical fire. If you live in an older property or aren’t sure what type of wiring you have, have an electrician inspect your home.

Don’t:

Leave appliances plugged in.

Although you might typically leave the coffeemaker, toaster, and microwave plugged in all day long, it’s best to avoid that for your safety. If the product overheats, any type of small blaze it creates can require significant fire damage repairs. The same applies to items like hairdryers and flat irons.

Overload the electrical circuits.

Even if you use an extension cord with multiple outlets, don’t overwhelm your electrical system by plugging several items in at once. Outlets are often designed to support only a specific amount of power, and going beyond that limit can overheat the system. Also, don’t have small devices share the same outlet with larger appliances; refrigerators, washers, and dryers draw a significant amount of power on their own.

Clients throughout Southeast Nebraska trust in the experienced professionals at All Care Restorations for their fire damage repair needs. Whether you’re coping with the aftermath of an electrical fire or another disaster, this family-owned restoration company in Lincoln will step in to ensure your home is safe and comfortable. They handle everything from smoke damage restoration to emergency water removal. Visit them online to find out more about their extensive services, or call them at (402) 421-3779 to make an appointment.