Cause of December`s Fatal Fire in Polk County Shows Importance of Electrical Safety

An extension cord under a rug has been identified as the cause of a fatal fire in Polk County this past December.

(DALLAS) - The death serves as grim reminder of the danger of placing electrical cords under or near any combustible material.

"In addition to being placed under a rug, the cord was damaged by a chair placed on top of the rug," states investigating Deputy State Fire Marshal Dan Jones. "This tragedy is compounded because there were no smoke alarms in the home."

Jones reminds Oregonians extension cords are not intended for permanent use and they should never be located in areas where they may be damaged by foot traffic, furniture, pets or other items.

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal offers the following tips on electrical safety:

Electrical Safety Tips

• Check electrical cords for signs of cracking and fraying. Replace cords showing signs of wear.
• Avoid using extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, use a size appropriate for the appliance.
• Don't cover electrical cords with rugs, carpets, furniture or other materials.
• Avoid overloading circuits. In the kitchen for example, plug appliances like toasters and coffee makers into separate outlets.
• Use only the correct size fuses in your fuse box.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three slot outlet.
• If you experience frequent problems with dimming lights and blown fuses or circuit breakers, have a licensed electrician check your home wiring.
• Maintain working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom.

More information on home fire safety is available at: Fire Safety Campaign