May is National Electrical Safety Month!
While electricity makes all our lives easier, failing to use the proper precautions can put you and your family in danger of potentially deadly electrocution or electrical fires. Here are few tips to help you avoid common electricity hazards.
Indoor Electrical Safety
- Check electric cords for fraying or cracking. Replace damaged cords, and avoid overloading electric outlets.
- Remember extension cords are intended to be temporary; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Don’t run cords under carpets or rugs. Don’t tack or nail cords to walls or floors.
- Never use power strips for high-power capacity items such as, space heaters, microwaves, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances.
- Never plug multiple power strips together. Only use one power strip per outlet.
- Keep electric appliances and tools away from water. Never reach for or unplug an appliance that has fallen into water; instead, turn the power off at the breaker before you unplug the appliance or remove it from the water.
- Never put anything other than an electrical plug in an outlet. Use outlet covers or caps to protect children.
- Keep your home’s electrical system in good repair. Contact a licensed electrical contractor if you have flickering lights, sparks, nonfunctioning outlets or need wiring repairs or upgrades.
Contemplating a DIY wiring job? Check out our tips for home wiring projects here.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
- Never touch downed power lines!
- Call your local utility or 9-1-1 if you see lines down.
- Watch for overhead lines when using a ladder, working on roofs or in trees, or carrying long tools or loads. Keep kites, model airplanes and metallic balloons away from power lines.
- Call 8-1-1 at least three days before you dig to have underground utility lines, pipes and cables marked for free.
- Avoid planting trees underneath power lines or near utility equipment.