January 2, 2009 - Fire Heavily Damages Home Overnight

Fire Caused By Overloaded Electrical Outlet

The Shreveport Fire Department was dispatched early this morning at 12:30 AM to a home at 3201 Exposition Avenue. Fire crews arrived on scene three minutes later to find a one story home with smoke and flames coming from the front of the house. The fire was mainly contained to the living room of the home but did extend up into the attic space where both received heavy fire damage. The fire was brought under control within five minutes.

The home was occupied at the time by a family of five (two adults and three children ages 5, 6, and 8 years old). All escaped without injuries due to a working smoke detector that woke them up in the early stages of the fire. The early detection of the smoke detector saved their lives in this fire. The Shreveport Fire Department has a smoke detector donation program for those who are elderly or economically unable to purchase one. Please contact our Fire Prevention Bureau at 673-6740 for more details on the donation program.

The cause of the fire was determined to be an overloaded electrical outlet in the living room. This outlet had an extension cord running underneath carpet and to several appliances which included a heater, TV, and stereo. The United
States Fire Administration reports and recommends the following as it relates to Electrical Fires:

Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 485 Americans each year and injure 2,305 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like consumers to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from electrical fires.
The Problem
During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses. Home electrical wiring causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances.
The Facts
December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires start in the bedroom.

The Cause
Electrical Wiring
Most electrical fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.

In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.
Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

Home Appliances
The home appliances most often involved in electrical fires are electric stoves and ovens, dryers, central heating units, televisions, radios and record players.
Safety Precautions
Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.

Use electrical extension cords wisely and don't overload them.

Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.

Whey buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.

Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.

If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. Use safety closures to "child-proof" electrical outlets.

Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, replace them. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Electric Space Heaters
Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.

Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater.

Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater.
Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.