The statistics are staggering. Each year, home electrical fires in the United States are responsible for over 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and more than $1.4 billion in property damage. And fire is not the only danger. Thousands of children and adults are critically injured and electrocuted from accidents in their homes annually.
But now, new technology such as arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) and tamper resistant receptacles (TRR) are preventing tragedy before it ever occurs. In fact, these devices have proven so effective that the new 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) has significantly increased requirements for AFCI and TRR protection in all new homes today.
Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2009 and ESFI is helping consumers to better understand this lifesaving technology, the safety requirements included in the latest edition of the Code, and the implications of these important provisions for communities across the United States.
Campaign Materials
Fire Prevention Week 2009 Information Kit
Indiana Electrical Code Support Packet
Know the Dangers in Your Older Home booklet
Electrical Safety Workbook booklet
Do-It-Yourself Home Electrical Safety Fact Sheet
Older Home DIY Electrical Dangers Fact Sheet
2008 National Electrical Code Adoption Map (by State)
Public Service Announcements
Fire Prevention Week 2008 PSA (01:00)
AFCI Awareness PSA (02:08)
Tamper Resistant Outlets PSA (02:00)
Virtual Demonstrations
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Virtual Demonstration (01:41)
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Virtual Demonstration (01:36)
Tamper Resistant Outlets (TRO) Virtual Demonstration (00:54)
News & Media
Press Releases
ESFI Urges North Carolina to Reaffirm Commitment to Electrical Safety l PDF
ESFI Commends Governor Beverly Perdue for Commitment to Electrical Safety l PDF
Protect Your Child from Shocks and Burns l PDF
Aging Happens…but Fires Do Not Have To l PDF
Life and Property at Risk in Clash over New Code Adoption l PDF
Ohio is Once Again Getting National Attention l PDF
Protect Your Home from Fire l PDF
Children’s Safety at Risk l PDF
As Homes Age, Risk of Electrical Fire Increases l PDF
ESFI Recognizes National Fire Prevention Week l PDF
Media Coverage
Click HERE for a listing of recent news coverage featuring ESFI's AFCI awareness and advocacy efforts, and the current debate in many states as they begin the process of adopting the 2008 National Electrical Code at the state level.
Beta-tapes are available upon request. To obtain a Beta-tape, please contact Jordanna Shapiro at Jordanna.Shapiro@esfi.org or (703) 841-3291.
