For Immediate Release
May, 2008
For more information contact:
Len DeJoria
Fire Prevention Officer
MesquiteFire Rescue
702-346-2690
ldejoria@mesquitenv.gov
MesquiteFire Rescue Encourages Respect for Electricity
Electricity has become one of our basic needs and Mesquite Fire Rescue is encouraging you to get grounded in the basics of electrical safety.
According to the non-profit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical distribution and lighting equipment were involved in an estimated 20,900 reported home structure fires in 2005. These fires resulted in 500 civilian deaths and 1,100 civilian injuries, with $862 million in direct property damage.
“The best way to keep the home safe from electrical hazards is to take good care of appliances and to use all electrical equipment properly,” said Len DeJoria, Fire Prevention Officer “Respect for electricity and the power it provides must occur every day throughout the year.”
By reviewing the electrical safety tips below and taking action, Mesquite residents can help reduce electrical fires in our community.
- If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips often, find out why and correct the problem. Replace fuses with the correct amp rating for the circuit they protect; never replace a fuse with a higher rated fuse. If the problem continues, call an electrician.
- Only plug one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) into a receptacle outlet at a time.
- Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
- Avoid pinching cords against walls or furniture or running them under carpets or across doorways. This can cause a fire.
- Use extension cords for temporary wiring only.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
- Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
- Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
- If an appliance is malfunctioning, unplug it if it is safe to do so. If necessary, cut off power by unscrewing a fuse or turning off the circuit breaker.
- Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are a new kind of circuit breaker that shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home. Use a qualified electrician.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard.
- Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month to make sure they are working properly.
- Keep ladders away from overhead power lines including the electrical service into your home. Never touch a power line. Stay at a safe distance – you could be electrocuted.
- Report downed power lines to authorities.
- Some power lines are underground. Call your local authority regarding digging.
For more electrical safety tips, please visit www.nfpa.org or Mesquite Fire Rescue, Fire Prevention Bureau.
Save the date: The second annual Fireman’s Ball is May 9th this year in the Grand Ballroom at the Eureka Hotel and Casino. We will be honoring Heidi Smith for her community leadership and partnership. There will be dinner, dancing, raffle and live auction to support The Mesquite Firefighters Association Children’s Charities. Tickets are $50.00 in advance and are available at fire station #1 or local Mesquite Merchants. For more information, contact Len DeJoria @ 702-469-4657
