---
title: How safe is your property from electrical fires?
description: Electrical Fire Safety Tips
---

[Insurance Blog | Dempsey Insurance Agency ](https://www.demsure.com/blog)

# [How safe is your property from electrical fires?](https://www.demsure.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-property-from-electrical-fires)

 Written by [Kate Dempsey](https://www.demsure.com/blog/author/kate-dempsey) | May 13, 2021 2:41:04 PM

Electrical distribution systems are the 3rd leading cause of house fires according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International [(ESFI)](http://www.esfi.org/). Electronics have become ingrained in our everyday lives; from smartphones and tablets to televisions and gaming systems. This addition of technology puts an added strain on our home's electrical system and poses a risk of fire if not handled properly. The National Fire Protection Agency [(NFPA)](http://www.nfpa.org/) reports that electrical fires are most common in the bedroom, attic, and kitchen. Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe.

#### Warning Signs of an Electrical Malfunction

- Discolored or warm outlets.

- Frequent issues with blowing fuses or tripping breakers.

- Flickering or dimming lights.

- A tingling feeling when touching an electric appliance.

- Unusual crackling or buzzing noises coming from appliances.

- Sparks emitted from the outlet or electrical device. 

- Cords that are warm to the touch.

#### Electrical Fire Safety Tips

- Check for frayed or broken cords and replace them as soon as discovered.

- Pull the plug from the base, not the cord to reduce wear and tear.

- Plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time. This includes units like microwaves, hairdryers, and space heaters.

- Do not overload outlets. Major appliances such as refrigerators should be the only unit plugged into an outlet. 

- When using a [space heater](https://smdynamic.com/blog/505-how-to-keep-warm-and-prevent-space-heater-fires), maintain at least 3 feet of space from any flammable materials such as clothing and bedding. Never use a space heater with an extension cord. 

- Extension cords are only intended for temporary use. If you find you're using them all the time, contact a professional electrician to install more outlets. 

- Do not run extension cords under carpeting as this can cause them damage or overheating. 

- Check light fixtures to make sure the bulb wattage does not exceed the fixture's recommended maximum. 

- Test arc circuit fault interrupters [(AFCIs)](http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/electrical/electrical-circuit-interrupters)and ground fault circuit interrupters [(GFCIs)](http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/electrical/electrical-circuit-interrupters) once a month to ensure they are working. 

Have your home inspected by a certified electrician if you suspect an electrical malfunction.

**Content provided by Service Master Restore

[View full post](https://www.demsure.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-property-from-electrical-fires)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Kate Dempsey"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-05-13T14:41:04.994Z",
  "datePublished" : "2021-05-13T14:41:04Z",
  "headline" : "How safe is your property from electrical fires?",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 340,
    "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/131781/light-bulb-burning.jpg",
    "width" : 515
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.demsure.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-property-from-electrical-fires",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60.0,
      "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/131781/DEM%20Header%20Logo.png",
      "width" : 363.1579
    },
    "name" : "The Demsure BLOG, with helpful hints on auto, home, and commercial insurance"
  }
}
```