Every year electrical shocks and fires cause hundreds
of deaths. We encourage you to take a few minutes to read these safety tips. You
never know what you may have forgotten or overlooked.
Fuses & Circuit breakers
- If a fuse blows out, find out why it blew before you replace it
- When replacing a fuse, make sure that it is sized correctly and matches
the circuit
- Hair dryers, curling irons and other electrical appliances draw a lot
of electrical current, don't plug more that one of them into the same
outlet
GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters)
GFCI's are inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware store.
Most if not all newer homes, mobile homes and manufactured homes have
these installed. However, some older homes may not
have them. Therefore, we strongly encourage an electrician to install them. This
is easy to do: They should be placed at the beginning of the circuit in
the kitchen where there are outlets on counters and on islands, in bathrooms
outdoor plugs, garages and basements, or anyplace there may be water close
by.
Electrical Outlets
- Have a qualified electrician replace old electrical outlets with new
approved ones
- Never alter a plug to fit an outlet
- If you have small children, install plastic safety covers in unused
outlets
Appliances
- Only buy appliances that have labels stating they've been tested by
an independent lab
- Keep all heat producing appliances -- heaters, irons, etc. -- at least
3 feet away from furniture, curtains, clothing, etc.
- Unplug small appliances when they are not being used
- Make sure there is adequate air space around all electronic items
such as computers, stereos, etc.
Cords
- Only use cords that have a marked rating label
- Replace cracked or frayed cords
- Keep cords away from traffic areas and where children can get to them
- Don't run cords under carpets or across doorways
- Cord should never be used as permanent wiring
Lamps
- Keep lamps away from things that can burn
- Place lamps on level surfaces
- Use only bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage
Outdoor Power
- All outdoor electrical fixtures should be weatherproof
- Use GFCI outlets
- Holiday lights should be plugged into permanently installed GFCI outlets
- Use only extension cords rated for outdoor use
Power Lines
- Never touch a power line
- Keep ladders and other metal objects away from power lines
- Call 911 to report downed power lines
