What to Do If You Experience Electrical Fires in Your Home

12/11/2024 (Permalink)

Knowing what to do if an electrical fire breaks out in your home can help minimize damage and keep everyone safe.

Electrical fires are a serious hazard and can happen without warning. Each year in the U.S., electrical failures or malfunctions cause around 51,000 fires, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Knowing what to do if an electrical fire breaks out in your home can help minimize damage and keep everyone safe. Our team is here to provide some key tips on handling an electrical fire.

Signs of an Electrical Fire

First, it's important to recognize the signs of an electrical fire. Common indicators include:

• Sparks or strange popping noises from outlets or appliances
• A burning smell, especially a plastic-like odor
• Smoke or heat coming from outlets, cords, or appliances
• Flickering lights, even after changing the bulb

If you notice any of these, it's time to take action.

Step 1: Cut the Power

The first thing you should do is cut the power—if it’s safe to do so. Electrical fires are fueled by live electricity, so turning off the power can help stop the fire from spreading.

• Locate your breaker box: Know where your home's main circuit breaker is.
• Turn off the power: If you can, shut off the specific circuit where the fire started, or turn off the main breaker to cut power to the whole house.

Step 2: Use the Right Fire Extinguisher

Electrical fires are Class C fires, meaning they require a fire extinguisher designed for electrical equipment. Never use water to try to put out an electrical fire, as it can cause electrocution.

• Have a Class C fire extinguisher on hand: Keep one in areas like the kitchen or near high-traffic areas.
• Aim at the source: Use the extinguisher to target the base of the flames if the fire is small and manageable.

Step 3: Evacuate and Call 911

If the fire is spreading or you can't safely cut the power, your priority is to get everyone out of the house.

• Evacuate immediately: Don’t wait to see if the fire gets worse—smoke and flames can spread fast.
• Call emergency services: Once you're safely outside, call 911 to report the fire.

Step 4: Notify Your Utility Company

Once the fire is out, contact your local utility company. They may need to inspect your home’s electrical system before the power can be safely restored.

How to Prevent Electrical Fires

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home:

• Inspect your wiring: Have an electrician check your home's wiring, especially in older homes.
• Avoid overloading outlets: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can cause overheating.
• Use high-quality power strips: Avoid cheap power strips, and never chain them together.
• Watch for warning signs: If you notice frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, or a burning smell, call an electrician immediately.

Electrical fires can be dangerous, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. If an electrical fire breaks out, remember to cut the power if possible, use the right fire extinguisher, evacuate, and call for help. After the fire is out, SERVPRO of Southwest Las Vegas can help restore your home and get everything back to normal.