Make Your Home Safer During Electrical Safety Month
National Electrical Safety Month comes every May. Take the opportunity to make your home safer over four weeks to protect your family.
Perhaps the best first step is to ask a local licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system safe. This procedure should be regularly scheduled to help ensure electrical components are in good working condition and secure. You can also do your part by following the tips below.
Don’t Use Water to Fight an Electrical Fire
A chemical fire extinguisher is the only safe way to extinguish electrical fires. Do not use water, as it can conduct electricity and cause a shock that can seriously injure or kill someone.
Install GFCI Outlets
Ensure your home has GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets installed wherever a water source is present. They are most needed in your bathrooms and kitchens. GFCI outlets can detect dangerous changes in electrical current and automatically shut off power, preventing electrical shock and electrical fires.
Test Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensuring your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly can be a lifesaver. They are respectively designed to alert you of the danger of a fire and poisonous CO. Test each one and check their batteries are still working.
Unplug Appliances Not Being Used
Appliances that are not being used should be unplugged. This will help cut your utility bill and prevent devices from experiencing hazardous overheating or damaging power surges.
Use Correct Wattage
When you smell a burning odor, see scorch marks on or around light fixtures, or notice light bulbs burning out much sooner, they could be symptoms that appliances or light fixtures are not rated for the wattage being used. Ensure they use the correct wattage to avoid severe electrical problems that may lead to a fire.
Electrical Peace of Mind
Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:
- Commercial & Residential Electrical Installations
- Marina & Residential Pier Wiring
- Electrical Service & Repair
- Specialty Electrical Services
For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be happy to help you.