NH Fire Marshal's Office Warns Of Increased Electrical Dangers

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Fire Marshals Office issues a warning and reminder to people about the hazards that can be caused by electrical issues.

In the winter months, several people need to use generators and outside lighting that can lead to dangerous situations when not handled properly. In a recent inspection, fire marshals in another office found the improper use of power strips, a “daisy chain” led to an outlet fire. It is important to follow manufacturers’ recommendations and not run large appliances off power strips.

In November, in Manchester, one person perished in a three-alarm Manchester fire, and several people were injured. Investigators determined the cause of the fire was electrical-related. Read: Manchester 3-Alarm Fatal Fire Cause Determined As Electrical

The New Hampshire Fire Marshals office offers the following electrical safety tips:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You do not need a flame to start a fire. Fires can start when heat builds up near things that burn. This can happen when a hot light bulb is near things that burn, such as cloth or paper, or a cord has been placed under a carpet.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
• Use a light bulb with the right number of watts. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts.

Generator Safety

During the winter season, areas can be impacted by weather events that can cause power outages that could last over a period of 24 hours or more.

If you use a generator, remember these safety tips:

• Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside away from all doors, windows, and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors, or other openings in the building
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is hot.