Electrical Safety

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Electricity makes our lives alot easier, however, we need to keep safety in mind. Electricity causes around 50,000 fires each year. Prevention is the key to keeping a safe home. The following list is a great way to safeguarding your home.

• In the event of an electrical emergency, correctly labeled circuit breakers, will allow you disconnect power to faulty equipment.

• When you are buying or renovating a home, have it inspected by a qualified inspector or in accordance with local requirements 

•  Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords 

•  Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fires can start when heat builds up near things that burn. Doesn't necessarily need a flame to start a fire. This can happen when a hot light bulb is near things that burn, such as cloth or paper, or a cord has been placed under a carpet. 

• Establish an evacuation plan that can be used in case of an emergency, and practice with your family.

•  Look for telltale signs of electrical problems such as dim and flickering lights, unusual sizzling and buzzing sounds from your electrical system, insulation and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact a qualified electrician immediately.

• In homes with young children, install tamper resistant receptacles to prevent electrical shocks and burns.

• Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.

• Always test Smoke/CO detectors to make sure they are properly working

• When hiring an electrical contractor, make sure they are licensed and insured to prevent hazardous installs.

• Never throw water on an electrical fire. Use a fire extinguisher with  the letter "C" in the label.