Dealing with an electrical fire can be catastrophic for any home or business. It’s worth taking a few precautionary measures to prevent this situation from occurring. Whether you have an older electrical system or have recently upgraded, you can safeguard your property with these helpful steps.

How to Prevent an Electrical Fire

1. Remove Flammable Items

Avoid leaving any flammable items in the vicinity of your electrical products. Items such as towels, blankets, and rugs can all catch on fire if they’re exposed to the heat generated by products like irons and portable space heaters. Make sure to place cables and cords above carpets or rugs to prevent them from overheating and potentially causing a blaze.

2. Avoid Overwhelming Outlets

Electrical outlets can only handle so much. By filling a single outlet with multiple appliances and other items, you run the risk of dealing with a serious safety hazard. A power strip makes it easy to handle multiple appliances or chargers without causing a power surge. Strips are designed to handle the burden effectively, and they will turn off without causing damage if an overload is detected.

3. Schedule Regular Inspections

It’s always best to have an electrician inspect the property for signs of damage. Older homes and businesses are particularly susceptible to electrical system problems. Seek out professionals with commercial or residential electrical service experience, as they can replace the potentially harmful aluminum wires that were installed over 50 years ago. Frayed, partially damaged wires should be immediately changed, and older outlets should be swapped for new ones.

Is your electrical system safe? The experts at North River Electric serve homeowners and businesses throughout Roseburg, OR, and they put your safety and satisfaction first. The family-run company has been an area mainstay since 1981, offering reliable electrical services ranging from repairs to light fixture installations. Visit the electricians online for information, and call them at (541) 673-0800 to schedule a consultation.