"On any given day, it's likely that most people
use several different electrical appliances. With electric appliances being so
common in modern homes, it's easy to forget that there are very real risks and
hazards associated with their use. Take the time to brush up on the principles
of safe operation - and make sure that everyone in your home is aware of them -
in order to prevent unnecessary exposure to hazards and safety risks."
........Prince Suraj Rotimi Olukoga
Being safe when using electrical appliances, extension cords, light bulbs and other equipment is easy, and
safety tips should be included in household rules, home, school fire safety and daily behavior expectations for all
members of the family. It only takes one mistake to spark an electrical fire,
but simple prevention measures can be effective solutions.
Appliances
Appliances are an integral part of every household,
from a simple electric clock to the microwave oven. These safety tips can help keep all appliances operating safely:
· Unplug unused appliances and stow cords safely
out of reach of pets, young children or hazardous situations.
·
Appliances that generate heat, such as clocks, televisions and
computer monitors, should be given several inches of clearance all around for
good air circulation and cooling. Do not drape clothes, toys or other items
over warm appliances.
· Always follow appliance instructions carefully,
and do not attempt amateur repairs or upgrades.
· Keep all electrical appliances away from water
such as sinks, bathtubs, pools or overhead vents that may drip.
· Do not operate any electrical appliance with wet
hands or while standing in water.
· Keep clothes, curtains, toys and other
potentially combustible materials at away from radiators, space heaters,
heating vents and other heat sources.
Cords
Every electrical appliance has a cord, and many
homes use extension cords to increase the range of electrical outlets. These
safety tips can help keep cords in good condition for safe operation:
· Check cords regularly for frays, cracks or
kinks, including power tool cords, holiday lights and extension cords. This
is suggested doing before each use.
·
·
Cords are not jump ropes, clothes lines or leashes, and should
never be used for anything other than their intended purpose.
· Cords should be firmly plugged into outlets - if
the cord is loose and can pull out easily, choose a different, more snug
outlet.
· Do not staple or nail cords in position at any
time; if the cord does not remain where desired, use tape or twist ties to
secure it.
· Cords should not be placed beneath rugs where
they can become a trip hazard or where frays will not be noticeable.
Furthermore, covering a cord will prevent it from keeping as cool as possible.
· Do not make modifications to a cord's plug at
any time - do not clip off the third prong or attempt to file down a wider
prong to fit in a different outlet.
· Extension cords are a temporary solution only,
and their use should be minimized whenever possible.
· Use the proper weight and length of extension cord
for the appropriate task, and be sure the cord is rated for indoor or outdoor
use, whichever is required.
· When unplugging a cord, pull on the cord at the
outlet rather than tug on the cord itself.
Outlets
Every cord has to plug into an appropriate
electrical outlet, but these tempting niches are inviting to unwelcome objects
that can cause shorts and fires. Use these electrical safety tips at home to
keep outlets safe:
· Block unused outlets by changing to a solid
cover plate or using childproof caps.
· Do not overload outlets with multiple adaptors
or power strips; relocate cords instead.
· Never put any object other than the appropriate
size plug into an outlet.
· Install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets
in potentially hazardous areas such as near pools, crawl spaces, kitchens,
bathrooms and unfinished basements.
· Keep all outlets properly covered with secure
plates that cover all wiring.
Light Bulbs
Light bulbs are the single most common
electrical fixture in homes, and proper light bulb safety can keep them from
becoming a common electrical hazard.
Use bulbs that have the correct wattage requirements for each
fixture. Using a higher wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat.
· Consider switching to more efficient compact
fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that provide the same level of light at a lower wattage
level.
· If a CFL bulb breaks, you should open a window
and have all people and pets leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
· Always screw bulbs in tightly; a loose bulb can
cause sparks or shorts.
· Be sure to unplug or turn off a fixture
completely before changing light bulbs.
Outdoors
It is important to also practice electrical
safety when outside, since many electrical hazards can be found near homes and
not just inside their walls. These are numbers of recommendations for outdoor
electricity safety.
·
Keep trees pruned and away from power lines overhead as well as
where the power lines approach the house.
· Do not fly kites, model aircraft or balloons
near power lines.
· When using a ladder, carefully inspect the
surrounding area to be sure it is free from power lines.
· Do not swim or play in water during an electrical
storm, even if it is not raining.
· Always assume that contact with a power line can
be deadly.
· Do not approach a downed power line to see if it
is live - it may give no signs that can be easily observed, but it is just as
deadly. Contact the authorities immediately about downed lines.
Electrical Fire Safety Tips
When an electrical short or spark does happen,
it is vital to understand what to do to prevent or put out an electrical fire
to keep the damage and devastation from spreading. You should, of course, call
the appropriate emergency services immediately in case of electrical injury or
fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a number of
tips to for preventing electrical fires.
· 
Do not allow children to play in proximity to small or large
electric appliances.
· Replace any tools that put off even mild
electric shocks.
· Replace any light switches that have a tendency
to flicker.
· Replace any light switches that are hot to the
touch.
· Avoid overloading extension cords, sockets and
plugs.
· Do not ever force a three-prong plug into a
two-receptacle socket.
· Know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers are
located as well as how to properly operate them.
· Never attempt electrical repairs or rewiring
without proper certification and experience.
· Do not put water on an electrical fire; use a
dry fire extinguisher or baking soda instead.
Staying Safe at Home
Even though electricity is commonplace, there is
still quite a bit of danger associated with improper use. Carefully observe all
safety measures when using electricity to keep yourself - and your family -
safe.
