{"id":155,"date":"2017-09-15T07:30:50","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T07:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/addagatekeeper.io\/blog\/?p=155"},"modified":"2023-11-02T04:20:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T04:20:47","slug":"handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Handle An Electrical Fire in Your Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fires are a common domestic peril. If you live in a small apartment, being aware of the things to do to handle electrical fire when an electrical fire breaks out, could one day save your life. Learning how to contact emergency services or raising an alarm alone may not help. These fires spread quite quickly and require specific kinds of extinguishers. What could save you is the presence of mind and knowledge about the things that will be discussed in the course of this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, let\u2019s begin.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d7e562d8b56\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d7e562d8b56\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#Causes_Of_An_Electrical_Fire\" >Causes Of An Electrical Fire<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#1_Old_wiring_cables\" >1. Old wiring cables<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#2_Old_electrical_devices\" >2. Old electrical devices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#3_Overloaded_circuits\" >3. Overloaded circuits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#What_To_Do_When_There_Is_A_Fire\" >What To Do When There Is A Fire?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#1_Locate_the_source\" >1. Locate the source<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#2_Attempt_cutting_off_power_supply\" >2. Attempt cutting off power supply<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#3_Try_to_extinguish_the_flames\" >3. Try to extinguish the flames<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#4_Avert_immediate_danger_RUN\" >4. Avert immediate danger &amp; RUN<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2017\/09\/handle-electrical-fire-in-apartment\/#Stay_Informed_Stay_Alive\" >Stay Informed. Stay Alive<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_Of_An_Electrical_Fire\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes Of An Electrical Fire<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all electric fires begin with sparks. Sometimes it is just a flickering light and sometimes an unusual odor, like burning insulation. The sad part is that most often people expect fires to begin in the kitchen and from inflammable substances alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around 500 odd deaths occur every year due to a domestic electrical fire. Here are some of the most common causes or triggers of electrical fires.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Old_wiring_cables\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Old wiring cables<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wires too have an expiry date. Most people just assume that wires used while the house was built will stay on perpetually. The wires too will lose their efficiency due to wear and tear and could have breaks or tears in their outer insulation layer. If there\u2019s a power surge, broken insulation could be deadly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Old_electrical_devices\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Old electrical devices<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is common knowledge. Appliances and devices come with a life span. The older they get, the less efficient they become. Once a mechanical device crosses its expected lifespan, it most certainly should be considered as a fire hazard and replaced immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Overloaded_circuits\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Overloaded circuits<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the past few decades, every circuit inside an appliance or even the main electrical wiring circuits come fitted with a fuse or a circuit breaker to counter dangers of a power surge. However, over time, fuses become weak and sometimes fail completely. The leads to a flow of excess power, overloading the circuit and causing deadly electrical fires. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice constant tripping in your MCB, it is time to get the circuit checked. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_To_Do_When_There_Is_A_Fire\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What To Do When There Is A Fire?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never try to extinguish a domestic fire by pouring water all over it. Unless you are absolutely sure about the nature of fire, use methods that extinguish fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. Try to remain calm and follow the steps described below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Locate_the_source\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Locate the source<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unless the fire is large enough that you have to evacuate immediately, try to identify the source of the fire. Your whole building could be saved from another \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/grenfell-fire-why-grenfell-burned\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Grenfell<\/a>\u201d episode if you locate the fire\u2019s source and put it out. You could save hundreds of lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for sparks, intense burning odors, and maximum intensity flames. They are often found closer to the actual source.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Attempt_cutting_off_power_supply\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Attempt cutting off power supply<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the fire is caused by a malfunctioning appliance, try to unplug it. If you manage to do that, you can proceed to put out the flames next. Never attempt removing the plug if the wires are wet or if there are inflammable substances in the vicinity. You could electrocute yourself or cause an explosion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Try_to_extinguish_the_flames\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Try to extinguish the flames<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most builders mandate that a fire extinguisher be placed in the kitchens within individual units. If you have one, use it. Also, make sure that the extinguisher say\u2019s A-B-C on its body. These are the kind of extinguishers that come handy to put out a wide range of fires. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t have an extinguisher, use alternate sources. Baking soda can put out small flames. Thick blankets or carpets can cut off oxygen supply and thereby, kill the fire. Alert the security or call the fire brigade yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Avert_immediate_danger_RUN\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Avert immediate danger &amp; RUN<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting out the fire doesn\u2019t mean you are out of danger. Inhalation of smoke or fumes can lead to death. Carbon monoxide contained in secondary smoke could kill you due to asphyxiation. Soot or dust from the fire could enter your respiratory system and stop your lungs from functioning which would leave you to suffocate and die.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As soon as you put out flames and kill the source of fire, evacuate with your family. Wait for the fire brigade to arrive to do a sweep to ensure that the place is safe to inhabit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_Informed_Stay_Alive\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay Informed. Stay Alive<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The world is still recovering from the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/grenfell-fire-why-grenfell-burned\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tragic incident where the Grenfell tower went up in flames<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Speculations are rife that it happened due to an electrical fire. Sometimes, being well informed and using your presence of mind is what saves you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s make sure that this information reaches everyone around us. Let not another building burn and take lives with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thank you!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fires are a common domestic peril. If you live in a small apartment, being aware of the things to do to handle electrical fire when an electrical fire breaks out,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2026,2019,1],"tags":[107,108],"class_list":["post-155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-adda-for-community-residents","category-adda-india-housing-society-apartment-management","category-secure-communities","tag-electrical-fire-safety","tag-handling-electrical-fire"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=155"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14078,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/155\/revisions\/14078"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}