HomeMy WebLinkAbout101514_Fire prevention - power strip safety
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website: rentonwa.gov
City of Renton - 1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
October 15, 2014
For more information contact:
Anjela St. John, Fire Marshall, City of Renton Fire & Emergency Services 425-430-7000
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator 425-430-6569
Renton Emphasizes Power Strip Safety
Recent house fire result of overloaded or malfunctioning power strip
RENTON – Fire investigators from Renton Fire & Emergency Services determined that a house fire
which occurred on September 29, 2014 was the result of the overloading or malfunction of an electric
plug strip.
“We’re thankful that no one was injured and recognize the hard work of the men and women of
Renton Fire & Emergency Services in bringing the fire under control quickly,” said Fire Chief Mark
Peterson. This fire highlights the need to follow safety precautions when using these power strip
devices.
Renton Fire & Emergency Services offers these safety tips for using power strips:
Never overload a circuit.
Know the circuit’s capacity and the power requirements of all items plugged into the power
strip.
Reliance on power strips is an indication of an inadequate number of outlets to address power
requirements. Have additional outlets installed if needed.
A surge suppressor only protects the items plugged into the suppressor, not the circuit it self.
Do not chain power strips or extension cords together.
Ensure all power strips and extension cords are certified by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory and follow manufacturer’s directions for use.