ELECTRICAL FIRES

Electrical fires are different than other types of fires, and need to be handled with special care.  If an electrical fire breaks out, follow these instructions:

• DO NOT throw water on an electrical fire.  You could be electrocuted.

• If an appliance catches fire, unplug it as soon as possible.

• If you see smoke or fire, or smell a strange odor coming from wires, appliances or electric motors, turn off the appliance and the main switch at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

• Call 911 or your local emergency number for the fire department. 

• Use a "C" class fire extinguisher - these are safe for use on electrical fires.

• If no appropriate fire extinguisher is available, you can also use baking soda to extinguish an electrical fire.

Preventing Electrical Fires

You can keep your home free of dangerous electrical fires by following these safety tips.

• Don't overload your electrical circuits.

• If you have an older home, have the internal wiring checked to make sure it meets current building codes.

• Turn off appliances when not in use.

• If an appliance generates heat (like toasters, kettles, space heaters, irons, etc.) unplug it when not in use.

• Use only appliances listed by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

• Always use the proper fuses in your home.  Don't use a higher amperage than recommended.  Never use foreign objects like pennies or wires instead of a fuse.

• Clean and service your heating systems and furnaces once a year.

• While they can make the room you occupy warmer and more comfortable, space heaters need special handling:

	Don't leave portable space heaters unattended.
	Don't place portable space heaters in doorways or stairways.
	Keep portable space heaters well away from upholstery, drapes, and other combustible materials.
	Don't add fuel to a gas-powered heater while it's on or hot.