The following is a loss control tip you can use on your Web site or in
client communications with the proper attribution to IRMI.
Defective electrical wiring systems cause approximately 40,000 residential
fires annually, according to a United States Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) study. In addition, electric cords and plugs are
involved in about 7,000 fires annually. The National Electrical Safety
Foundation offers numerous tips to safeguard the home against electrical
fire and related losses, including the following.
* Verify that outlets and extension cords are not overloaded.
* Examine electrical cords to ensure they are not frayed, damaged, or
placed under rugs or carpets.
* Verify that the proper wattage bulbs are being used in light fixtures
and lamps.
* Consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) in
bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens. This device protects people
against electrocution by shutting down the electrical system if it detects
any imbalance in the electricity.
* Take steps to safeguard electrical appliances from power surges. A power
surge is a sudden rise of current or voltage in an electrical circuit that
can last up to several seconds and can ruin electrical appliances and
equipment, such as computers. You can purchase surge protection devices to
safeguard against the problem.
* Consider updating the entire electrical system if the home is over 40
years old. Older homes are more susceptible to electrical fire. For
example, many older homes contain aluminum wiring, which is much more
susceptible to starting fires than the copper wire required by modern
building codes.
* Install child tamper-resistant electrical outlets to prevent a child
from inserting something into the outlet holes.
* Install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) to avoid fires caused by
arc faults. An arc fault is a discharge of electric current across a gap.
This can be caused by improper electrical connections, pinched wire
insulation, and overheated wires.
Notify your insurance agent when you make safety improvements
to your home. Some of these may also qualify for discounted rates!
This article is brought to you by Peter Tuttle, CPA at Cool Springs Insurance.com. You may contact me by sending an e-mail via the link to the right of my active rain blog page. Please visit my website at http://www.petertuttlecpa.com/
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