How to Prevent Electrical Fires and What to do in Case of One

Electricity has become a necessary part of our daily lives, powering almost everything we use. However, if something goes wrong, electrical appliances and wiring can quickly turn into a fire hazard. Electrical fires can be incredibly dangerous and can cause property damage, injury, and even loss of life. 

There are various potential causes of electrical fires. The most common ones include faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged appliances, and even natural disasters like lightning. Just like any other accident, an electrical fire can happen when you least expect it. Therefore, it is important to know what to do in case of an electrical fire to protect yourself and your property. In this article, we will discuss how to react in case of an electrical fire and the precautions to take to prevent them from happening in the future.

How to prevent electrical fires

Preventing an electrical fire is always better than dealing with one. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of an electrical fire in your home or office:

1. Use high-quality electrical components

Using high-quality electrical components can help prevent electrical fires. Don’t go for counterfeit, cheap, or inferior-quality electrical components. They can be faulty and can overheat and cause a fire. It is recommended to use electrical components that are approved by relevant authorities.

2. Avoid overloading electrical circuits

Overloading a circuit can cause the wires to heat up and potentially start a fire. Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet and use power strips with surge protection.

3. Do a regular electrical system maintenance

Inspect your electrical system regularly and replace any worn-out or damaged wires, cords, plugs or switches.

4. Keep flammable materials away

Keep flammable materials away from electrical outlets, extensions, and electrical appliances. Items like curtains, paper, and furniture should be kept away since they can easily catch and spread fire in case of a breakout.

5. Install smoke detectors

Installing smoke detectors in your home or office can help detect an electrical fire and alert you in time to put it out before it escalates.

Handling electrical fires

Despite taking preventive measures, electrical fires can still happen. Therefore, it is essential to know how to handle electrical fires. Here are the steps you need to take in case of one:

1. Cut off the power supply

The first thing to do in case of an electrical fire is to cut off the power supply. If you can safely unplug the device or appliance that is causing the fire, do so immediately. If you cannot, turn the power off from the main switch.

2. Put out the fire

The next thing to do is to put out the fire. Use a Class C fire extinguisher. This type of fire extinguisher is ideal for putting out electrical fires. Do not use water, as it conducts electricity and can lead to electrocution. If you don’t have a Class C fire extinguisher, you can try using baking soda or cover the fire with a thick blanket to deny it oxygen.

3. Evacuate and call for help

If the fire is too large to contain or if you cannot put it out with a fire extinguisher, evacuate the building and call for help immediately. Ensure everyone in the area is aware of the fire and ask them to evaluate immediately. Don’t try to salvage your belongings; it is better to lose them than get injured or lose your life.

Conclusion

Electrical fires are a serious threat that can cause devastating consequences. Prevention is always better than dealing with them, so it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. You must also be prepared in case of an unfortunate event—don’t be caught unawares.