How to Prevent Electrical Fires in Your Home

At First Call, we recognize that fire remediation services are about much more than making your home safe again–it’s about trying to preserve that which is most precious to you. Our expertise and experience, coupled with compassion, illustrate why we have so many loyal customers. Want more information? We invite you to contact us.

10 Electrical Fire Prevention Tips

These crucial tips will help you prevent electrical fires in your home.

Make sure all your electrical work meets current codes.
Regularly inspect outlets and repair when necessary.
If purchasing a home, make sure it is properly inspected with careful attention given to electrical wiring. Make any appropriate and necessary repairs before you buy the house and move in.
Make sure you understand how to properly use circuit breakers and when it is appropriate to replace them.
Replace outdated fuses that could be prone to malfunction.
Don’t overload your outlets. This is one of the most common causes of electrical fires.
Be extra cautious if your home was built between 1965 and 1973. Many of these houses used aluminum wiring, which can degrade faster than copper wiring. We recommend having the wiring inspected to remain safe.
Clean out your dryer lint. Failure to do so creates a significant safety hazard.
Avoid using too many extension cords.
Make sure there are no loose-fitting plugs. These can cause a spark of electricity to arc, setting fire to any flammable materials nearby.

What Can Cause an Electrical Fire?

By reviewing the tips outlined above, you can discern what some of the most common causes of electrical fires are. In addition to the previous list, the following can also cause these disasters:

What causes electrical fires What Are the Warning Signs of an Electrical Fire?

Be on the lookout for:

Flickering lights
Tripped circuit breakers
Buzzing noises
Sizzling noises from outlets
Discolored outlets and switch plates
Any sparks or flames from electrical devices

If you are experiencing any of these, we recommend that you schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

What Should You Do If an Electrical Fire Occurs?

Recognize that your safety and the safety of your family comes first. Call 9-1-1 and evacuate the area. If you are in an apartment building, alert others of the situation so they can safely leave their residences.

Remember: Never throw water on an electrical fire. It’s best to leave firefighting to trained professionals.

We recommend that every family have a fire safety evacuation plan to prepare for such emergencies.

When Disaster Strikes, Trust Your Home to First Call and See Why We’re the Right Call

Fires can happen to anyone. When they occur they transform your life in an instant, taking with them your peace of mind and your sense of normalcy.

The task of recovery is overwhelming.

That’s where we come in. We can help with everything from emergency cleanup to full fire remediation. We act quickly to assess the situation, remove dangerous debris and clean soot and smoke damage from your home. We want you to be able to return to your home as soon as it is safely possible.

With decades of experience, we’re committed to our clients across the Triangle, Greensboro and Burlington areas. Contact us to learn more.

Key Takeaways:

In 2021, electrical issues caused over 24,000 residential fires in the U.S., leading to 295 deaths and $1.2 billion in property damage.
Proactive steps—like avoiding overloaded outlets, replacing old wiring, and inspecting your home—can greatly reduce fire risks.
Older homes, especially those built between 1965 and 1973 with aluminum wiring, may need special attention and professional inspections.
Warning signs of electrical fire include flickering lights, buzzing outlets, discolored switch plates, and tripped breakers.
If an electrical fire starts, never use water—evacuate immediately and call 911.
Every household should have a fire safety plan and access to professional electrical inspections when concerns arise.