As the rainy season gathers momentum, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is urging households and businesses to take electrical safety seriously, warning that many fire outbreaks recorded during this period are linked to preventable electrical faults.
According to the Service, rain-related electrical incidents continue to pose a major threat to lives and property, largely due to negligence, poor maintenance, and unsafe wiring practices. The risk is often heightened by heavy rainfall, leaking roofs, power fluctuations, and ageing electrical installations.
The GNFS noted that electrical faults remain one of the leading causes of fire outbreaks across the country during the rainy season, despite the fact that many of these incidents can be avoided through proper safety measures.
To reduce the risk of electrical fires, the Service is encouraging the public to ensure that all electrical installations and appliances are regularly inspected by qualified electricians. Property owners are also advised to repair leaking roofs promptly to prevent water from coming into contact with wiring, sockets and switches.
The Service further recommends the immediate replacement of frayed, exposed or damaged cables, as well as the repair of faulty sockets, switches, circuit breakers and loose electrical connections.
Residents are cautioned against overloading sockets and extension boards with multiple high-power appliances and should avoid running electrical wires beneath carpets, rugs or furniture, where damage can go unnoticed.
As an added safety measure, the GNFS advises households to unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use and during thunderstorms. Electrical appliances and sockets should also be kept away from wet areas and standing water.
The Service is also calling on building owners to ensure the proper installation of earth wires, lightning arresters, circuit breakers and Residual Current Devices (RCDs), which can automatically disconnect power when faults occur.
In addition, the public is encouraged to report fallen power lines, damaged poles and sparking electrical installations to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) without delay. People should also avoid handling electrical appliances or switches with wet hands and ensure that trees and overgrown vegetation do not come into contact with overhead power lines during storms.
The GNFS stressed that strict adherence to these safety precautions can significantly reduce the incidence of electrical fires and help safeguard lives, homes and businesses throughout the rainy season.