Safe and Energized

Electrical distribution and lighting equip- ment were involved in an estimated 20,900 reported home structure fires in 2005, resulting in 500 civilian deaths and $862 million in direct property damage. Learn how you can help keep your community safe and energized.

Electrical safety lesson plans

NFPA has developed electrical lesson plans for Pre-school through grade 8. The lessons will fit in perfectly with teachers using Risk Watch: Unintentional Injuries in the classroom. Technical review for the lessons was done by The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi) and NFPA.

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Join NFPA® - Get a wealth of information, benefits and services not available anywhere else!

Item #: MBRR
List: $150.00
Member: $150.00

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Electrical safety in the home

NFPA Safety Tips

	Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
	Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
	In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension-cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers.
	See all safety tips

Outlet U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 52,500 reported home structure fires involving electrical failure or malfunction in 2006. These fires resulted in 340 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries and $1,447 million in direct property damage.

Facts & Figures

Forty-six percent of home electrical failure fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment in 2003-2006.
In 2003-2006, 47% of electrical failure home fires involved other known type of equipment. The leading other known type of equipment involved in home electrical failure fires are fan, clothes dryer and air conditioning equipment.
U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 25,100 reported U.S. non-confined home structure fires involving el ectrical distribution or lighting equipment in 2006. These fires resulted in 370 civilian fire deaths, 840 civilian fire injuries, and $776 million in direct property damage.
Some type of electrical failure or malfunction was cited as factor contributing to ignition for 74% of electrical distribution or lighting equipment home structure fires.

Source: NFPA's "Home Electrical Fires ," by John R. Hall, Jr., March 2009

Also see: Fact sheet on home electrical fires. (PDF, 59 KB)

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated 4/09

In this Section:

			Reports and statistics NFPA reports and other research on electrical fires.					Electrical safety tips What you need to know to avoid an electrical fire in your home.