Wiring looms as threat

Winters abrupt arrival with record cold this month also brought along an even less welcome event: an outbreak of house fires.

Fire department officials report the number is not particularly higher than usual this year. However, the cluster of fires in St. Joseph and the region reminds us how quickly an ordinary day can turn tragic.

Investigators have found a common cause among several fires in St. Joseph they occurred in older structures in which the electrical system was overloaded. Homes built 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago, were not designed to accommodate the pull of modern heating and cooling systems, as well as appliances and electronics.

An old adage holds true here: If in doubt about your homes wiring, have it checked out.

Research and experience also prove that moving to a newer house is not a foolproof way to escape the threat of fire. Because of the materials used in construction, newer homes often burn at a much faster rate than older structures. Synthetic materials both in the house itself and in the furnishings are more flammable.

Regardless of the age of your home or the type of wiring, two steps every homeowner and renter should take:

Install a smoke detector.

Keep it up to date.

St. Joseph Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson points out all smoke detectors can get dusty and batteries will run down on those not directly wired into the house current. Consider this a holiday-time reminder to check those batteries. Also, the National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Winter will be with us for several months and these steps are worth it to keep your family safe from fire.

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Wiring looms as threat