During a typical year, home electrical problems result in an estimated 90,000 fires. These, in turn, cause untold injuries and an extensive loss of property.

How do most home fires start? The majority stem from problems with the home’s electrical system; and yet, most of these can be prevented.

The leading causes of home electrical fires include the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Electrical fires are more common during the winter months, especially in December and January when many homes are adorned – electrically and otherwise – with holiday decorations.

In the interest of your family’s ongoing safety, Excel Electrical Technologies would like to offer you these electrical fire prevention tips:

• Don’t overload wall sockets. If a wall socket is warm to the touch, it’s overloaded. If it’s not overloaded but still warm to the touch, have it replaced immediately. The same goes for light switches.

• Regularly check your appliances, electric tools, and extension cords for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in insulation, and broken or cracked sockets.

• Don’t place electrical cords under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas. Also, do not trap appliance or extension cords against the wall or under carpeting. Heat can build up and start a fire.

• Clean the lint filter in your drier after every use. Also, regularly check your exhaust hose to make sure hot air is escaping normally.

• Keep clothes, curtains and anything else that might burn at least three feet away from all electric heaters.

• When buying tools, appliances, holiday lights, and more, make sure they are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another independent testing facility.

• If a tool or appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-prong outlet.

For an added measure of prevention, we encourage you to contact Excel Electrical Technologies to schedule a whole-house electrical wiring and safety inspection, especially if it’s been a year or longer since your home was last inspected. One of our certified and experienced electricians will check for any signs of frayed or damaged wiring, code violations, proper grounding, and much more. It’s one more way to ensure the ongoing safety of your home and family.