National Fire Authority (NFA) is requesting members of the community to be mindful of fire safety with the use of electrical equipment like iron to stop any fire risk in your home.

Electric irons are high-wattage devices which draws a lot of power from the circuit. Do not operate any other high-wattage devices on the same circuit as the iron. If you use an extension cord, make sure that it is rated for the same or higher amperage as the iron. Amperage information can be found in the operating manual of the iron. Always turn the iron off or to its lowest setting before plugging it in or out of an outlet. Never pull the cord to unplug an iron, always grasp the plug and pull it out.

Electric Iron fire safety tips:

Proper Use

• Always use an electric iron on an ironing board.
• Never attempt to iron or stream fabrics while they are being worn.
• Never iron clothing on the floor or bed as there is rarely a safe place to rest the iron.
• Do not attempt to use an iron for any purpose other than for ironing clothes.

Cord Safety

• Never leave the iron's electrical cord hanging over a trafficked area.
• The cord will represent a trip hazard and the hot iron could land on someone if the cord is pulled.
• If there is any damage to the cord, do not use the iron as this could lead to an electric shock.
• Keep the cord away from hot surfaces at all time.

Iron and Water

• Do not immerse an iron in water, due to risk of electric shock.When you are filling a steam iron with water, remember to disconnect the iron from the outlet.
• Be careful when turning a filled iron upside-down, as there may be hot water which can lead to a fire.

Children

• Ironing in an area where children are represents a whole set of issues since children might not be aware of the danger involved in touching an iron.
• Never use an iron away from an ironing board as young children are less likely to be able to reach the iron, when it is high on a board.
• Always keep your eye on children when you are using the iron and never leave a hot iron unattended when children are nearby.