Power Strip Cause Of Madison Fire Call

MADISON, NJ - A crispy power strip on the carpet of a resident's home is what brought first responders in to investigate on Oct. 2, according to officials.

Firefighters responded to a call of a gas smell in the home and upon further investigation discovered the culprit - the damaged power strip.

The Madison Fire Department said that while the crisis was averted this time, October is Fire Prevention Month and shared a few tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation:

• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis.
• Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or device being used.
• Inspect cords for damage before use. Check for cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way.
• Do not run extension cords through walls or ceilings. This may cause the cord to overheat, creating a serious fire hazard.
• Do not nail or staple electrical cords to walls or baseboards.
• Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation.
• Keep extension cords out of high-traffic areas like doorways or walkways where they pose a tripping hazard.
• Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs is exposed when the extension cord is in use.
• Ensure that all extension cords are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, or ETL, and read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fast Facts:

• Each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. Half of these injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords.
• Roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 more.

(Photo courtesy of the Madison Fire Department)

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