KINGSTON, Jamaica —
The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging citizens to rethink how they power their homes, particularly in the kitchen, as misuse of extension cords and electrical equipment continues to be a leading contributor to residential fires.
Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, a public education officer with the JFB, is sounding the alarm on outdated electrical habits that pose silent yet dangerous threats in Jamaican households. He notes that far too many homes still rely on basic two-prong extension cords — often white or brown — that were never built to carry the heavy electrical load of modern appliances.
“These cords are not grounded. If your extension only has two prongs, it’s not safe for high-powered devices. You need the third prong for grounding — that’s your earth wire. Without it, you’re gambling with your life,” said Ebanks.
Even more concerning is the common practice of physically altering plugs to fit outdated outlets — a shortcut Superintendent Ebanks strongly condemns.
“Snapping off the third prong from a grounded plug to force it into an older socket eliminates your built-in safety. If your outlet doesn’t support three prongs, then it’s not fit for modern appliances. That third pin isn’t there for decoration — it protects you from electrical faults,” he warned.
Kitchens: Fire Zones in Disguise
Ebanks singled out kitchens as one of the most common sites of preventable electrical fires. While the average householder may reach for an extension cord to add convenience, many don’t realize that short appliance cords are a deliberate safety feature — not an oversight.
“Manufacturers aren’t trying to annoy you with short cords. They want you to plug blenders, toasters, and microwaves directly into the wall to reduce the risk of overheating,” he explained.
The risk, he notes, lies in running high-powered devices like blenders or toaster ovens through long or poorly rated extension cords, which can heat up under load and trigger fires — often silently, beneath countertops or behind furniture.
Safe Alternatives and Smart Solutions
The Fire Brigade recommends that households invest in proper surge protection rather than relying on basic power strips. The difference, says Ebanks, can be the line between safety and disaster.
“Don’t confuse a power strip with a surge protector. If you’re going to invest in any kind of extension, make sure it’s one rated for surge protection — especially for your refrigerator, your microwave, or your entertainment systems,” he advised.
Consumers are also being reminded to scrutinize electrical labels, ensure their devices are plugged into grounded outlets, and to never overload a single circuit with too many high-draw appliances at once.
As Jamaica enters the holiday season — a peak period for electrical mishaps due to increased usage of lights, gadgets, and cooking equipment — the JFB is urging every household to take a few moments to inspect how their homes are wired and powered.
“Fire prevention isn’t luck — it’s vigilance. And when it comes to electricity, cutting corners can cost lives,” concluded Ebanks.
