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According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2005 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 20,900 home structure fires involving electrical distribution or lighting systems. These fires resulted in 500 civilian fire deaths, 1,100 civilian fire injuries and $862 million in property damage.

Cords and plugs accounted for the largest share of civilian fire deaths, according to the NFPA report.

This week we will be looking at a common-sense approach to help prevent an electrical fire in your home. With all the electronics we have today, there seems to be a shortage of outlets in our homes.

I know for most of us when we run out of outlets we simply use an extension cord. We all know how convenient it is to grab one of those old brown coiled up cords in the kitchen drawer. Every once in a while we find a green cord that was missed from Christmas and shoved into the drawer. When our problem is solved, we seem to forget about it and move on to something else.

Remember, an extension cord is for temporary use only and should never be substituted for permanent wiring. We all know that hiding somewhere in our home is a “temporary use” extension cord. And as time goes on and the cord starts to age and crack, we forget about it — until it’s too late.

I want to share with you a few tips to hopefully prevent an electrical fire in your home.

Try to avoid using a “cube tap” that allows multiple devices to be plugged into one outlet.

Do not place extension cords under carpets, under doors, or other locations that subject the cord to abrasion or other damage.

When using an extension cord, make sure it is UL listed and approved for your intended use.

Never daisy chain one cord to the next — this is not what they are listed for.

Walk through your home and inspect for old and worn out cords. If you find one, see if there is a better way to organize and eliminate using that cord.

Be careful not to overload an extension cord.

Electronic equipment is nice, but when it is improperly powered, bad things can happen. Please be safe.

Troy Gudie is assistant chief of the Onalaska Fire Department.

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