It’s National Electric Safety Month – make safety a priority
Walk through your home and around your property to look for and correct hazards such as:
- Overloaded electrical outlets.
- Worn or damaged electrical cords.
- Appliances that spark.
Keep the following in mind:
- Flickering lights mean trouble, as do warm-feeling wall switches or outlets.
- Extension cords should only be used for temporary purposes.
- Two-pronged outlets are not meant for use by three-prong appliance plugs. Contact a qualified electrician to upgrade your two-pronged outlet.
- Any outlet that could come in contact with water, such as those in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and any outdoor outlets, should use UL listed ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs cut power off directly at the outlet in case of emergency. Test the GFCI regularly by pushing the red button in the center.
- If you have children, keep safety covers on all unused outlets.
- When outside, always use an extension cord marked for outdoor use.
- Unplug power tools when not in use.