FIRE SAFETY Electrical fires

State Fire Marshal Robert Rielage is asking residents to "Cover Your Bases & amp; Strike Out Fire" during National Fire Prevention Week. Today, he offers tips on preventing residential electrical fires.
The numbers: In 2000, there were 2,182 residential electrical fires in Ohio, with 67 resident injuries, 96 firefighter injuries, nine deaths and $25.8 million damage. Many are preventable. In Columbiana County, there were 23 such fires, causing five resident injuries and $81,000 damage. In Mahoning County, there were 50 such fires, with five firefighter injuries and $403,000 damage. In Trumbull County, there were 35 such fires, causing one resident injury, eight firefighter injuries and $424,000 damageCauses: Frayed electrical cords. Unsafe use and storage of electrical appliances. Prevention: Replace or repair electrical devices with loose or frayed cords.Do not run extension cords across doorways or under carpet.Place plastic safety covers over electrical outlets.Keep the cords of counter-top appliances out of the reach of children.Do not use devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances to a single outlet.Place lamps on level surfaces away from anything that can burn.
Source: Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal