Fire Safety

Fire safety begins at home.

     As we become more and more dependent on technology, we are tethered ever tighter to electricity. It powers our computers, lights our homes and brews our morning coffee. Because electricity can be a reliable friend, we sometimes forget the incredible power it has.

     According to the 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.

     Such fires can be prevented by treating electricity and the devices that use it with respect. Strinestown Community Fire Co. is urging all Conewago Township residents to get grounded in the basics of electrical safety and help reduce the number of electrical fires in our community. Here are just a few simple things you can do:

• Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.
• Only plug one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• 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.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
• Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have:
       > recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
       > a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
       > discolored or warm wall outlets.
       > a burning smell or rubbery odor coming from an appliance.
       > flickering lights.
       > sparks from an outlet.

To learn more about what you can do to keep your home safe from all types of fires, contact us at 266-1131.