Cole Advises Shutting Down
Electrical Appliances During Outage to Prevent Fires
JEFFERSON CITY, July 24, 2006Many post storm safety
issues face property owners in St. Louis and surrounding areas. Power
restoration after an outage and the affects of power surges on large
and small appliances are a concern for public safety officials.
State Fire Marshal Randy Cole suggests property owners
who have experienced a power should shut off and unplug electrical
appliances and devices prior to power being restored.
Taking these steps may prevent a fire or damage to the
electrical device if a power surge would occur during utility company
efforts to restore service, Cole said.
Power surges may occur when electrical service is restored
to building. If appliances were operating at the time of the outage
or even if the appliance remains plugged into an electrical outlet
when power is restored, damage to the appliance may occur to even
include the potential of a fire. Circuit breakers do not always protect
from damages or fires caused by a power surge.
The most vulnerable appliances affected by power surges
are refrigerators and air conditioning units or systems. In addition,
electronic devices containing a microprocessor too are vulnerable
such as televisions, cordless phones, computers, microwave ovens and
some large appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.