KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican fire safety authorities have issued an urgent public advisory regarding the proper use of household electrical equipment, highlighting significant fire risks associated with common practices. The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has intensified its safety campaign following concerns about widespread misuse of extension cords and power devices that could lead to dangerous overheating and residential fires.
Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer and Superintendent at JFB, delivered crucial technical guidance during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He emphasized that standard extension cords, particularly those with two-prong configurations, lack the capacity to handle substantial electrical loads. “Extension cords featuring only two prongs should be avoided entirely,” Ebanks stated. “Consumers must insist on three-prong designs incorporating negative, positive, and grounding connections for basic safety.”
The fire official specifically addressed the dangerous practice of physically altering three-prong plugs to fit outdated two-prong outlets. “Modifying plugs by removing the grounding prong with tools creates immediate fire hazards,” Ebanks warned. “If your electrical outlets cannot accommodate three-prong plugs, they require professional upgrading rather than makeshift solutions.”
Kitchen environments received particular attention in the safety briefing. Ebanks explained that manufacturers intentionally design kitchen appliances with short power cords to discourage extension cord use. High-wattage devices like blenders and mixers demand substantial energy transfer that most extension cords cannot safely conduct, leading to dangerous heat accumulation.
For enhanced protection, authorities recommend specialized equipment including refrigerator guards and certified surge protectors rather than conventional power strips. “Consumers must distinguish between genuine surge protectors and basic power distribution strips,” Ebanks clarified, urging careful product selection during purchases.
The JFB continues to reinforce electrical safety awareness through public education initiatives, aiming to reduce preventable residential fires across Jamaican communities.