Electric fire can be a serious threat to your home or business, especially if you have faulty wiring or overloaded appliances. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical fires account for about 13% of all home fires in the U.S., causing an average of 420 deaths, 1,370 injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage per year1. Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent and handle electric fire safely and effectively.
How to Prevent Electric Fire
The best way to deal with electric fire is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of electric fire in your property:
- Inspect your electrical system regularly and hire a licensed electrician to fix any problems or upgrade your wiring if needed.
- Avoid overloading your outlets, extension cords, or power strips with too many devices or appliances. Use surge protectors to protect your electronics from power surges.
- Replace any damaged or frayed cords, plugs, or wires as soon as possible. Do not run cords under rugs, carpets, or furniture, or near heat sources or water.
- Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, paper, or furniture, away from outlets, lamps, or heaters. Do not place anything on top of or near electrical appliances, such as microwaves, toasters, or ovens.
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your property and test them monthly. Replace the batteries at least once a year and the devices every 10 years.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using or maintaining your electrical appliances. Unplug them when not in use or when cleaning them.
How to Handle Electric Fire
If an electric fire does occur in your property, you need to act quickly and safely to put it out and minimize the damage. Here are some steps to follow in case of an electric fire:
- Call 911 or your local emergency number and inform them that you have an electric fire. Provide as much information as possible, such as the location, size, and cause of the fire.
- Turn off the main power switch or breaker in your property, if you can do so safely. This will cut off the electricity and stop the fire from spreading to other devices or wires.
- If the fire is small and contained in an appliance that is plugged in, such as a toaster, unplug it or use a circuit breaker to disconnect it from the power source. Do not touch the appliance or the cord, as they may be hot or electrified.
- If the fire is small and you cannot turn off the electricity or unplug the appliance, smother the flames with baking soda, which will produce carbon dioxide and suffocate the fire. You can also use a fire extinguisher that is rated for electrical fires, such as a CO2 (carbon dioxide) or ABC (dry powder) extinguisher. Do not use water, as it will conduct electricity and make the fire worse.
- If the fire is large or out of control, evacuate the property immediately and close the doors behind you to contain the fire. Do not try to put out the fire yourself, as you may get burned, electrocuted, or exposed to toxic smoke. Wait for the fire department to arrive and follow their instructions.
How to Recover from Electric Fire
After the fire is extinguished, you need to assess the damage and restore your property to its pre-fire condition. This can be a challenging and stressful process, which is why you need the help of a professional restoration company like PuroClean of San Clemente. We are your local, trusted provider of fire and smoke damage restoration services in San Clemente, CA. We have the experience, equipment, and skills to handle any type of fire damage, including electric fire. We will:
- Inspect and secure your property to prevent further damage or theft.
- Remove any debris, soot, or ash from your property and dispose of them properly.
- Clean and deodorize your property and belongings to remove any traces of fire, smoke, or odor.
- Repair or replace any damaged or destroyed items, such as furniture, appliances, or electronics.
- Restore your property to its original or better condition, with minimal disruption and hassle.
At PuroClean of San Clemente, we care about your safety and satisfaction. We will treat you and your property with respect, empathy, and transparency. We will work with your insurance company to make the claim process as smooth as possible. We will also provide you with tips and advice on how to prevent future electric fires and keep your property safe and secure. If you or anyone you know has an unfortunate fire in their home, please contact PuroClean of San Clemente at 9498995399
