Electrical safety & you

Charging a laptop computer. Plugging in an appliance such as a coffee maker, toaster or iron. Flipping on a light switch. These are all actions that are second nature for most of us. Electricity helps make our lives easier. However, we all need to be cautious when using electricity and always keep fire safety in mind.

Almost half (48%) of home electrical fires involve some type of electrical distribution equipment (such as wiring, outlets, switches, lamps, light bulbs, cords or plugs). The electrical distribution equipment provide the heat leading to ignition. You do not need a flame to start a fire. A fire can easily start when sufficient heat builds up near items that can ignite and burn. This can happen when a damaged electrical cord is placed under a carpet or when a hot light bulb is near items that can ignite and burn such as cloth or paper.

A few tips can help you use electricity safely and prevent a fire:

• Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
• Avoid overloading outlets; plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet.
• Heat producing appliances such as a coffee maker, toaster, microwave oven, or iron draw a lot of electricity; plug only one heat producing appliance in each outlet to prevent the wiring from overheating.
• Check electrical cords to make sure the wires are not damaged, cracked or loose. If any cords need to be repaired, take the item to a professional repair shop or replace with a new item.
• Keep cords from running under carpets and across doorways where people can walk on them. They can wear out and cause a fire. Have a qualified electrician install more outlets if needed.
• Heavy things such as a sofa placed on top of a chord can wear out the cord and cause a fire.
• Keep drapes and curtains away from light bulbs. Bulbs can get hot and start a fire.
• Keep items that burn like clothes and newspapers off of lamps.
• Be sure the bulbs in your lights match what is safe for the light fixture. There should be a sticker that indicates the maximum wattage for the light bulb to be used.
• Make sure that all receptacle outlets and switches have faceplates.
• Use extension cords for temporary wiring only.
• Call a qualified electrician if you ever experience:
• Sparks from an outlet
• Discolored or warm wall outlets and switches
• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Frequent problems with tripping circuit breakers or with blowing fuses
• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance

Go Green!  Turn off lights when you are not in the room. Unplug appliances when not in use.