Indiana School fire

A Northern Indiana middle school suffered a classroom fire early Monday morning due to an overloaded extension cord, according to a Logansport Fire Department investigator. It was reported that three electrical cords were used for a heat lamp in a snake aquarium.

It is estimated that about 2,000 injuries can be associated with extension cords each year causing fractures, cuts or sprains which require emergency room visits. In addition, over 500 injuries involve young children with burns. This information is from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.   Extension cords are rated by the Underwriters Laboratory and should be constructed with 16 gauge wire or larger. They now require warning labels and electrical current rating information of the electrical cords uses.

Over 3000 residential fires are caused by electrical cords annually and it is estimated over 50 people die each year from these causes. Fires are due to damage to the cords, being overloaded for more than they are rated or short circuits. 

For your safety, always use extension cords rated for more than what the appliance requires. Don't overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw a total of more watts than the rating of the cord. For outdoor appliances, use only extension cords labeled for outdoor use. 

Tom Hastings of The Hastings Law Firm in Indianapolis has represented victims in fire and explosion related cases caused from misuse of electrical cords and defective equipment. Contact the Firm in Indianapolis for more information.