ELECTRICITY... FRIEND OR FOE

The Brunswick Fire Department warns that one of the major causes of fatal home fires is electricity... short circuits, misuse and abuse of appliances and cords top the list. Most Americans would agree that life would be harder without the use of electricity to heat, cool and light our homes and businesses and to operate our appliances and tools. There are thousands of good uses for electricity, but with the danger of electrical fires ever present, everyone should take precautions and use it wisely.

• Do not overload electrical outlets. It is safe to plug in only as many appliances as the outlet can take directly. Do not use adapters to plug in more. The current may not be able to handle the load. The wires will heat up, starting a fire.
• Use only the correct size fuses in fuse boxes. A 30 amp fuse in place of a 15 amp can start a fire. Never put a penny behind fuses to make them last longer.
• Keep appliance and extension cords in good condition. Heat, old age and abuse can make cords frayed, worn or split. This causes short circuits and enough heat to start a fire. Damaged cords should be replaced, not repaired, unless by an electrician. Wrapping electrical tape around a cord may not repair it. Do not risk your family and your possessions to save the few dollars it would cost to buy a new cord.
• Do not run cords under rugs where people walk, over nails or hooks, through doorways or windows. Do not put a cord anywhere it might get smashed, cut or split. Once wires are exposed, it is a fire and shock hazard.
• Keep appliances unplugged when not in use. Remove by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• Keep hot electrical appliances and light bulbs away from things that can burn. Use only the correct size bulb. Too large a bulb may give off enough heat to start a fire.
• Feel switch plates and outlets for heat. Contact a licensed electrician if a problem exists.
• Cover unused electrical outlets with plastic safety caps. Save children from disfiguring mouth burns; keep live extension cords out of their reach.
• Buy appliances and cords with the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or FM (Factory Mutual) label indicating they have been tested for safety.
• Leave air space around appliances such as stereos, televisions, microwaves, etc. to keep them cool.
• Have an electrician rewire your home if it does not have sufficient outlets. The cost you spend will not be near what an electrical fire in your home would cost in money and lives.

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