A house fire in Tainan started in the home's electrical panel, a reminder that old wiring is a common and preventable danger.

• The fire broke out in a home in Tainan's Xinshi district; the owner cut the main power and put it out before firefighters arrived, and nobody was hurt.
• The cause was old wiring with worn insulation, a loose breaker contact that overheated, and too much load on a single circuit.
• Fire officials urge people to check outlets for scorch marks or looseness and to look for tied-up or damaged extension cords.
• Living rooms are risky because they hold power-hungry appliances; bedrooms are risky because people are asleep and least alert there.
• Older homes should have a licensed electrician inspect the whole panel and replace aging wiring.

Outlook: Expect more public safety pushes on home electrical checks as summer appliance use keeps loads high.