Electrical safety is important not only during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. While having your local contractor check your electrical service panel is important, there are several things you can do to ensure you and your family are able to remain safe each and every day. Consider the following tips.
Avoid Flooded Homes
This tip is especially important to those who live in hurricane paths and to those who live in areas prone to storms and flooding. While you may think it is safe to go back to your home the minute the flood waters begin to recede, you need to think again.
You run the risk of accidental electrocution if the power to your home has not been shut off properly. Check for fallen power lines and turn the electricity off as soon as you arrive. Let the utility company or your electrician in DE do a safety check before you turn the power back on.
Downed Power Lines
Let’s say there’s a storm and one of your power lines falls from the poles outside or disconnects from your home. Your entire area is experiencing a power outage. You may think that it is safe to go and move the power line because the power in your neighborhood is out but nothing could be further from the truth.
Downed power lines can experience surges in electricity at any time. Never touch them. Simply wait for a power company electrician to come and move them or make repairs.
Safety during Repairs
Is making a repair to an electrical appliance or part of your home absolutely necessary?
Make sure you turn off the power and stay away from wet floors or areas of your home during the process to avoid electrocution. You’ll also want to make sure you are using a ladder made with insulated fiberglass instead of aluminum.
Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are great for keeping your electronics – like televisions and computers – safe from electrical problems caused by brownouts, circuit overloads, and other problems with your electrical system.
Your surge protector will let you know if your outlet is properly grounded and usually includes an indicator light to let you know that the surge protector is functioning properly.
Bathroom Outlets
The outlet in your bathroom should be different than the outlets found in the rest of your home. Your bathroom outlets should have a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) feature.
This feature is designed to keep you safe from electrical shock if the water in your bathroom sink or shower splashes near an outlet. Ask your electrician about having GFCI outlets installed if you do not already have them.
Light Bulb Safety
All lamps and light fixtures are designed to be used with a specific sized light bulb. The wattage is always clearly marked on the lamp and you should never, under any circumstances, attempt to use a bulb that is stronger or weaker than the recommended wattage. Doing so can cause your lamp to overheat and malfunction, risking the start of an electrical fire.
Unplug Unused Appliances
There is really no reason to have your coffee pots, toaster ovens, toasters, or any other kitchen appliances plugged in when they are not in use. Unplugging your appliances will cut your energy costs, prevent you from overloading your circuits, and will reduce the risk of injury caused by working near powered appliances while washing dishes or working with water.
Electrical safety in the home is, for the most part, a matter of common sense. Talk to Conductive right away if you need help determining if your home is safe from electrical hazards! Click here for some of the areas we serve.
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