It’s hard to imagine life without electricity. It’s an extremely safe and reliable source of energy – when used properly. But electricity also demands our respect. Failure to heed certain warnings and guidelines could lead to serious consequences, including fires and/or injuries to you or your family.
Now that you’ll be spending more time inside with the onset of colder weather, here are a few indoor electric safety tips.
- Don’t mix electricity and water – Never touch anything using electricity (appliances, light switches, etc.) if your hands are wet or you’re standing on a wet surface. You could suffer a shock or a serious injury.
- Don’t fall in love with extension cords – Overloading an extension cord or connecting multiple extension cords can lead to overheating and a fire. And, for the same reason, never run an extension cord under a carpet or rug.
- Don’t be a yanker – Yanking an electrical cord from the wall can damage the plug and the outlet. Pull the cord out by the plug.
- Do replace damaged cords – Check your electrical cords for worn spots or frayed wires. Replace them if you find any damage. Homemade repairs can cause fires.
- Do be cautious with flammable materials – Be sure to keep them away from lamps and heaters.
- Do protect children – Install safety covers on unused outlets to keep small children from playing with them.
To ensure a safe and happy experience – especially with so many of us decorating for the holidays – it’s important to keep these and other tips in mind. For example, do not connect more outdoor light strands together than recommended by the manufacturer.
Learn more about electric safety.
