HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – An overloaded surge protector at a Hanahan home is likely to blame for a room filling with smoke Sunday afternoon.
Crews with the Hanahan Fire Department were dispatched to a Genoa Court home around noon after receiving a call regarding a smoking electrical outlet.
Firefighters arrived to find the occupants outside the home on their lawn. They then secured power to the first-floor room and checked for additional signs of fire.
Officials say an electrical surge protector that was plugged into the socket had melted due to overload.
Fire officials remind residents to only use surge protectors or power strips that have an internal circuit breaker to prevent incidents such as this.
“These units will trip the breaker if the power strip is overloaded or shorted to prevent overheating. If at any time the surge protector or plug strip is hot to the touch remove and replace the unit,” said officials with Hanahan Fire. “The electrical load for this strip should be evaluated for overloading. Do not locate a surge protector or power strip in any area where the unit would be covered with carpet, furniture, or any other item that will limit or prevent air circulation.”