According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, electrical incidents cause 43,900 home fires, 438 deaths, 1,430 injuries and result in $1.47 billion in property damage each year. Those numbers are quite shocking!
From flipping light switches to charging our phones, we constantly rely on electricity, and it is hard to imagine life without it — that’s why it’s especially important to keep safety in mind when using it.
How can I stay safe?
In honor of National Electrical Safety Month, we want to share a list of practical tips to help you reduce the number of electric-related issues and keep your home safe and running smoothly:
When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
- Never yank an electrical cord from the wall.
- Be sure to place lamps on level surfaces and away from things that can burn.
- Never place anything that burns near a furnace, water heater, space heater, or stove.
- Only use bulbs that match electronics recommended wattage.
- Do not use electrical equipment near water.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use.
- Use an outlet cover/cap to keep children safe around outlets.
- Keep your cords tidy — cords wrapped too tightly can stretch and cause overheating.
- Clean your appliance’s exhaust fans to avoid overheating or shortening lifespan.
- When it comes to extension cords…
- Do not use as a permanent outlet
- Never plug two extension cords together
- Regularly inspect for damage or issues
- Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or under rugs or carpet
- Have all electrical work done by a trusted, licensed electrician — preferably one from Grounded Solutions!
Leave it to the experts
If you have outlets or switches that feel warm, issues with blown fuses, tripped circuits, or flickering lights, or are just unsure about electrical work in your home, call us! Our team of friendly, hardworking and expertly trained electricians is here to help tackle any questi0on, problem or project while keeping you and your family safe.
