May is National Electrical Safety Month
May is National Electrical Safety Month
May is National Electrical Safety Month and while statistics generally show a downward trend in the number of deaths and injuries related to electrical accidents, safety awareness needs to stay at the fore front when working around electricity.
Of all the hazards we face in daily life – at home, at school, and on the job – there is perhaps none quite so unforgiving as electricity. You won’t see it coming, and when it strikes, it will likely strike hard, causing serious injuries or destroying property. While electrical-related fires were the third largest cause of home structure fires, those fires resulted in the greatest amount of property damage.
Consumers should check for problems with their home electrical systems, and be ever vigilant for electrical hazards around the home and the workplace, like cracked or fraying cords, overheating cords and wall plates, and the presence of overhead and buried power lines when working outdoors.
Check outlets and circuits to be sure they aren’t overloaded. Make sure to use only the proper wattage light bulbs in the light fixtures and lamps. Use extension cords only on a temporary basis, and be sure they are properly rated for their intended use. And always follow appropriate safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions on all electrical items.
Consumers should also remember to test their smoke alarms and ground fault circuit interrupters (CFCIs) monthly. Replace smoke detector batteries twice a year. Make sure CFCI protection covers all circuits that come near water sources such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors, and consider it for whole house coverage. Consider also having arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed in your home’s electrical panel, particularly for older homes.
For these and other electrical safety tips visit www.electrical-safety.org.