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Fire Prevention Week

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 Cartoon illustration of Sparky the Fire Dog with a smoke alarm with text that says: Smoke Alarms. Make them work for you! Learn more at fpw.org. NFPA Fire Prevention Week logo.

Each year National Fire Prevention Week is observed around the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and left Chicago in ruins.

Though there have been many changes in building practices and city planning since the Great Chicago Fire to prevent that kind of widespread devastation from happening again, individual homes and structures are still routinely destroyed by fires that all too often could have been prevented. And though these fires don’t cause widespread misery, losing a home to fire can be devastating to an individual family.

To help prevent needless tragedies, the Melbourne Fire Department is joining with the National Fire Prevention Association and communities all across the country to educate residents about things that they can do to prevent fires in their homes — and how to safely escape a fire should one happen.

Learn More:

  • Check this page each day during Fire Prevention Week for a new fire safety tip. Or you can follow us on Facebook or X (Twitter).
Some information on this page reproduced from NFPA’s website, www.nfpa.org/publiceducation. © NFPA

Electric Vehicle Charging Safety Tips

Post Date:02/03/2022 9:33 AM

a woman charging an electric vehicle 

Are you thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV)? Here are steps you can take to lower your risk of fire and electric shock injury related to charging EVs.

Before buying an EV, have a qualified electrician install: 

  • A new, dedicated circuit for your EV charging device. Older home wiring may not be suitable for use with EV supply  equipment. 
  • Level II charging devices (if that is your preferred charging method).

Charging EVs: 

  • Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when charging your vehicle. Check with your local dealer if you need additional information.
  • Purchase a charging device that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • Plug Level I EV chargers directly into an outlet designed to handle the amperage of the charging device. Never use a multiplug adapter or extension cord.
  • Install a residual current device with the charging unit. It will turn off the power if a fault is detected and help prevent a fire.
  • Place all charging device components out of reach of children when not in use.
  • Maintain the components of your charging station according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Signs of excessive wear may  indicate a potential shock hazard. Never use an EV charger with obvious signs of damage.
  • Cover the EV charging station outlet to stop water from entering. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it is safe to charge your EV in wet conditions.

Charging an EV is safe when done with certified equipment. By following these tips, you can lower your risk of having an associated fire or an electric shock injury.

For more information:

 


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