Electrical—Live Wire Fire Risks (NAPSA)—By understanding and respecting the powerof electricity, and the role it can play in homefires, you can reducefire risk. Electrical fires cause millions of dollars in property damage per year. Thechieffire culprits are: * Incorrectly installed wiring. * Overloaded circuits and extension cords. Improper plugs, switches and outlets. a Sa Misuse and poor mainte- nanceoflighting. Safety experts at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. point to the following warning signs that may indicate electrical problems that could causea fire. If you experience any of these warnings in your home, contact a licensed electrician to repair the problem: Flickering or dimminglights. Switches or outlets that are hot to the touch or emit an acrid odor. * Discolored cords, outlets and switchplates. Repeated blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers. Cords, Outlets and Plugs The Hartford safety experts also remind homeowners not to run cords under carpeting or other Overloaded outlets or extension cords used in place of outlets can create too much heat and easily causefires. combustible material or across doorways or frequently traveled areas. Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together. And, be sure plugsfit snugly in outlets to prevent shock and excess heat. A free booklet called Fire Sense: A Smart Way to Prevent, Detect and Escape Home Fires is available by writing to: The Hartford, Fire Sense, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489 or by visiting www.thehartford.com/firesense.
