 "Electrical injuries and fires are preventable if adults are
proactive in making sure that electric equipment and outlets in the
home are safe," said Larry Matkaitis, Illinois state fire marshal.
"It’s our priority to educate the public about simple steps to
prevent electrical burns and other serious injuries from occurring."
Nearly 1,000 people in the United States die each year as a result
of electrical burns. Knowing the seriousness of the burns, seeking
medical attention must be immediate.
Electrical burns occur when a person is directly exposed to an
electrical current, including an alternating current or a direct
current. Shock-related injuries may vary depending on the level of
electrical exposure. Some electrical burns may look minor, but in
many cases they can cause internal damage, especially to the heart,
muscles or the brain. In those cases, electrical burns could be
deadly.
In Illinois, 7,900 electrical-related incidents were reported
between 2009 and 2013. In 2012, 1,591 cases were reported, and those
incidents resulted in 120 injuries, eight fatalities and
approximately $1.4 in property losses.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire
departments responded to an estimated annual average of 47,820
reported home structure fires involving electrical failure or
malfunction in 2007-2011. These fires resulted in 455 civilian
deaths, 1,518 civilian injuries and $1.5 billion in direct property
damage.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends the following
steps to prevent electrical incidents:
-
Replace or repair
damaged or loose electrical cords.
-
Avoid running
extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
-
In homes with
small children, make sure the home has tamper-resistant
receptacles.
-
Consider having
additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician
so excess extension cords are not needed.
-
Follow the manufacturer's instructions
for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
-
Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only
one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a
time.
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-
If outlets or
switches feel warm, frequently blow fuses or trip circuits,
flicker or dim lights, call a qualified electrician.
-
Place lamps on
level surfaces, away from things that can burn, and use bulbs
that match the lamp's recommended wattage.
-
Make sure the home
has ground-fault circuit interrupters, known as GFCIs, in the
kitchen, bathroom, laundry, basement and outdoor areas.
-
Arc-fault circuit interrupters, or
AFCIs, should be installed in the home to protect electrical
outlets.
The National Fire Protection Association and the Office of the
State Fire Marshal also warn about outdoor electrical dangers that
can pose safety risks to children. Adults should inspect areas where
children play to identify situations that could potentially turn
dangerous. The following are tips to put in practice to avoid any
chances of electrical accidents:
-
Children should
not be allowed to sit on electrical equipment enclosures and
boxes. Equipment that has been damaged or not maintained can
present a shock hazard.
-
Do not play or fly
kites near power lines. If a kite gets caught in the power line,
let go of the kite immediately.
-
If you see power
lines on the ground, report it immediately and stay away.
-
If there is
lightning, seek shelter indoors right away.
-
Do not bring items
plugged into an electrical outlet near water or a swimming pool.
Children should ask an adult before bringing toys into the pool.
-
If you notice electrical equipment
damaged or in a state of disrepair, report it to local officials
or personnel within the premises.
For more information on electrical burns and fire safety, visit
www.sfm.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
