| Gentle
Ben Electrians serve homes and households in Wilmington, Newark,
Elsmere, Dover Delaware and the surrounding areas
|
| Home Electricity
Safety Tips |
Here are some
indoor home electricity safety tips:
► Keep
electrical appliances like hair dryers away from water-filled
tubs and sinks. Keep them unplugged when not in use.
► Use only
appliances and equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratories
(look for the UL listing on the label), or other recognized
testing laboratories. Unplug appliances before you clean them.
► Do not
overload outlets with electric cords. If your lights or appliances
flicker when major appliances go on, or if fuses or circuit
breakers blow frequently, you should have your circuits
and wiring checked.
► Never
force a plug into an outlet if it doesn't fit, and never nail
or tack cords to walls or floors.
► Never
unplug or carry anything by its cord.
► Don't
run cords under carpets or furniture; the cords can overheat
and cause a fire.
► Make
it a habit to unplug small appliances when they're not in use,
and push them to the back of your counters. And make sure you
use all three prongs of your electric plugs, these grounded
cords are grounded for a reason!.
► Teach
your kids not to poke things into electrical outlets, toasters,
or any other appliances, whether they're on or off. Use plug
covers or inserts in all your outlets if there are small children
in your household.
► Keep
electrical cords away from kids' reach. Teach them that electricity
and water never mix. Keep all radios, hair dryers and other
appliances secured and away from your sink or water. |
Here are some
outdoor household safety tips:
► If you
have overhead electrical service, watch out for the drop line
from the utility pole to your house. Don't hit it with implements
or let other wires touch it.
► Overhead
power lines might look insulated, BUT THEY AREN'T. The dark
color may be weather protection or oxidation. And even an apparently
insulated line may have flaws in the insulation - contact could
mean serious injury! If you must work near power lines, contact
us or the utility involved before you start work. We want
to work with you to make sure you work safely.
► Outdoor
outlets should be on a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI), which are required in newer homes in bathrooms,
garages, outdoors, and near sinks. GFCIs can be added as a temporary
plug-in adapter, added as a replacement outlet, or even installed
as a circuit breaker. Check with your
electrician for options.
► Keep
television and radio antennas away from power lines. They should
be far enough away to remain clear if they were blown over.
► Teach
your kids never to fly kites near any power lines. Toys or other
objects caught in electrical equipment should be left alone
and the kids should find an adult to help. Balls or other objects
tossed or falling into an electrical substation should be left
there.
► Teach
your kids to recognize "Danger" signs and not to climb
in trees if power lines pass through or even near them. They
should also know that pad-mounted transformers (those metal
cabinets on concrete pads) are not safe places to play. |
