Cords, Outlets and Power Strips: A Fire Prevention Week Home Check

Most homes have more things plugged in than ever before: phones, tablets, laptops, lamps, televisions, routers, kitchen gadgets and, as the weather cools, electric blankets and space heaters. In older New England housing, especially triple-deckers and brownstones built long before anyone imagined so many devices, outlets can be scarce and power strips multiply. Electrical problems are a known cause of home fires, and many of the warning signs are visible if you know where to look.

Fire Prevention Week is a good time for a simple electrical walk-through. It does not require tools or special knowledge, just a careful eye and a willingness to unplug a few things. Anything beyond basic observation, such as rewiring, replacing outlets or working in an electrical panel, belongs to a licensed electrician.

Warning Signs to Take Seriously

Before going room by room, know the signs that mean something needs attention right away:

• Outlets or switches that feel warm or hot to the touch
• Scorch marks or discoloration around outlets
• A burning smell, or a smell like hot plastic, with no obvious source
• Lights that flicker or dim when an appliance turns on
• Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly or fuses that blow often
• Buzzing, crackling or sizzling sounds from outlets or switches
• A mild tingle or shock when touching an appliance or switch

If you notice any of these, stop using the outlet or device and contact a licensed electrician. Renters should notify their landlord or property manager in writing. If there is smoke or visible flame, get out and call 911.

With those warning signs in mind, walk through your home one room at a time. Bring a notepad so you can jot down anything that needs a fix or a conversation with a landlord.

Living Room and Bedrooms

• Look behind furniture. Cords pinched between a couch and the wall, or crushed under a bed frame, can be damaged without anyone noticing.
• Check for cords under rugs. Running cords under carpets hides wear and traps heat. Move them out into the open or rearrange furniture.
• Count what is plugged into each power strip. Power strips add outlets, not capacity. Avoid plugging power strips into other power strips, sometimes called daisy-chaining.
• Look at lamp bulbs. Make sure each bulb is within the wattage listed on the lamp or fixture.

Kitchen

• Keep high-wattage appliances like toasters, kettles, air fryers and microwaves plugged directly into wall outlets, and avoid running several at once on the same circuit.
• Keep cords away from the stovetop, the sink and hot surfaces.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use, especially those with heating elements.

Bathroom

• Keep hair dryers, curling irons and other devices away from water.
• Look for outlets with “test” and “reset” buttons, which are designed to cut power if they detect a problem. If they are present, press the test button to check that it works, then reset.
• Let hot styling tools cool on a heat-safe surface, not on towels or a counter cluttered with paper products.

Home Office and Charging Spots

• Replace phone and laptop chargers with frayed cords, bent plugs or cracked casings.
• Use chargers made for your device or from reputable manufacturers.
• Avoid charging devices on beds, couches or under pillows, where heat cannot escape.
• Unplug and stop using any device or battery that swells, becomes very hot or smells unusual.

Basement and Laundry Area

• Clean the dryer’s lint filter after every load and check that the vent hose is not crushed or clogged.
• Keep the area around the electrical panel clear so it can be reached quickly.
• Do not store paint, solvents or other flammable products near heating equipment or electrical panels.

Extension Cords: Temporary, Not Permanent

Extension cords are designed for short-term use. If a home relies on them permanently, that is a sign more outlets may be needed. In the meantime:

• Use cords rated for the device you are plugging in.
• Never use indoor cords outdoors.
• Do not nail, staple or tape cords to walls or floors.
• Uncoil cords fully during use so heat can escape.

Doing This Check With a Neighbor

Older adults, people with limited mobility and busy families may appreciate a second set of eyes. A respectful approach might sound like: “Fire Prevention Week is this week, and I’m checking cords and outlets at my place. Want me to take a look at yours while I’m in the mood?”

While you are there, you can help with tasks that are easy for one person but hard for another:

• Pulling furniture away from the wall to check cords
• Reorganizing a crowded power strip
• Replacing a burned-out bulb with one of the right wattage
• Writing down any concerns for the neighbor to share with their landlord or an electrician

Avoid opening outlets, touching wiring or making repairs yourself unless you are licensed. Your role is to notice, not to fix.

A Note for Renters

Tenants are not expected to repair building wiring. If you notice warm outlets, flickering lights or frequent breaker trips, report it to your landlord promptly and keep a copy of your message. If problems are not addressed and you believe they are unsafe, your city or town’s inspectional services department, often reachable through 311, can explain your options.

Electrical Safety Checklist

• No warm outlets, scorch marks or burning smells
• No cords under rugs or pinched behind furniture
• No daisy-chained power strips
• High-wattage appliances plugged directly into the wall
• Damaged chargers and cords replaced
• Dryer lint filter cleaned
• Electrical panel easy to reach