As we head into the winter months, the State Fire Marshal Tim Bean is urging families to think safety. He says to consider all electronic equipment in your home and the use of space heaters in the winter months.
Bean says over the past couple of years, you may have added electronic equipment to your home. You may be using additional extension cords and multi-plugs because of the electronics they’ve purchased. He says you want to make sure you’re never overloading electrical outlets and taking all the necessary precautions with extension cords and multi-plugs.
Extension Cord Safety – Never substitute extension cords for permanent wiring or use them for more than one appliance. Make sure extension cords or power strips are rated for the product to be plugged in. Never cover an extension cord with a rug or carpet; it prevents heat from escaping. Multiplug devices and power strips are designed to be plugged directly into electrical outlets; they should never be chained together.
Bean says space heaters are a factor in about 43 percent of home heating-related fires and 85 percent of associated deaths. They should only be placed on the floor. Never leave a space heater on when you leave a room. Only plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including drapes, furniture and electronics.
