Simple Tips to Prevent House Fires

STAMFORD, Conn., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year home electrical problems cause more than 28,000 house fires and massive property damage.  Electrical wiring is the root cause of many of these fires, of which countless could have been prevented.  May is Electrical Safety Month.  MXenergy, one of the nation's leading independent energy providers, is encouraging everyone to review key electrical safety tips.

"Quite frankly, electrical safety is a key home safety component that is often overlooked," says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy Managing Director. "Yet the truth is, it is an essential element of any home safety plan.  Proper education, awareness and action can go a long way in preventing tragedy."

Faulty or fixed wiring or improper use of electrical cords or other electrical items causes most home fires.

MXenergy Electrical Safety Tips

• Pay Attention -- Flickering lights, buzzing noises, and faceplates that are warm to the touch are all signs that a circuit may be overloaded or wiring may be wearing thin.  Each one of those signs is cause for immediate attention from a licensed professional electrician.

• Listen to Your Breaker -- If you are continually tripping a switch and having to reset your breaker box, your house is trying to tell you something.  There may be a fixture with faulty wiring or too high an electrical load on the breaker.  Again, seek professional help.

• Review and Replace -- Frayed electrical cords, wobbly ceiling fans, and loose faceplates are more than mere annoyances.  You should routinely inspect your home and replace or repair items in need of attention.

• Safety First -- Even the best preparation and newest equipment is not a guaranteed protection against fire.  Working smoke detectors on all levels of your home is an absolute must.  Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher and you know the proper way to use it.

"The good news is many of these fires are avoidable," continues Kass.  "In the case of electrical safety just a little awareness and preparation can make an enormous difference."

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors Electrical Safety Month each May.  More information and safety tips, including a home safety calendar, can be found at www.esfi.org.

About MXenergy

MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada. For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses.  Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans. MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange.  For more information MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.

SOURCE MXenergy