Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 23
Fire Prevention Tips
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Electrical circuits are designed to accommodate only a certain amount of electricity.
Start connecting a toaster, coffee-maker and other high-powered appliances to a
circuit that is already overloaded, and you have all the makings for a real fire
hazard. Among the cause of electrical fires are:
Cracked or worn electrical or extension cords.
Using oversized fuses. ..Overloading circuits.
Poor installation.
Detective appliances.
Faulty wiring.
The following preventive measures are recommended to avoid such causes of
electrical fires:
1. DO NOT run electrical or extension cords under carpets or behind
heavy furniture where they could be easily damaged.
2. If a proper fuse for a circuit continues to blow, call an electrician. This
is an indication that there is a problem which should be handled by a
professional.
3. When purchasing electrical equipment, check to see that the product is
listed with a reputable organization such as Underwriters' Laboratories
(UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).
4. Be sure appliances which draw a great amount of electricity have a
special circuit of their own.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
NEVER light a match in the dark to look for a blown fuse. Instead, use
a flashlight.
Keep electrical appliances out of the bathroom and away from the
kitchen sink. Of course, NEVER handle electrical cords and devices
when your hands are wet or when standing on a wet floor.
Some appliance such as televisions need ventilation.
DO NOT install it in a tight cubicle unless it is designed for placement
there.
Have your wiring checked by an electrician before adding major
electrical appliances.
10. DO
NOT try to repair worn or frayed cords with electrical tape. Have
them professionally repaired. Have a working flashlight at home.
GAS APPLIANCES
Gas has not natural odour, but all gas for home use, whether natural gas, liquefied
petroleum (LP) gas, or manufactured gas is odourized so that we may smell it in
case of a leak. If you smell gas in a room, do not enter with a lit match or cigarette.
LEAVE THE HOUSE IMMEDIATELY and call both the gas company and the Fire
Page | 20