Electrical Safety Month: 10 Tips For A Safer Home This Year

May is Electrical Safety Month, and what is a better time to tell you all the ways you can live safely on your property? Your comfort and safety are number one. Here are 10 electrical safety tips to help you enjoy a safer home this year.

1. Test Your Alarms

Testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is vital to your safety. It’s important you make sure you’re testing them frequently to ensure they’re working. Because smoke alarms alert you of a potential fire and carbon monoxide detectors alert you of potential carbon monoxide poisoning, it can be extremely dangerous to your safety if they’re not working properly.

2. Check For Correct Wattage

Not only is it important to replace defective light bulbs, but it is also a good idea to make sure light bulbs are using the correct wattage. If you notice your bulb burns out, flickers dim prematurely, or has other issues, you could have the incorrect wattage.

3. Throw Away Damaged Cords

If your extension cords are damaged or frayed, throw them out and replace them. It’s never a good idea to use damaged cords. Also, remember to never use extension cords as a long-term solution. They’re meant for temporary use only.

4. Install GFCI Outlets

If you don’t already have GFCI outlets, make sure to have them installed anywhere there is a water source present. GFCI outlets (ground-fault circuit interrupters) can prevent electrical shock, and electrical fires and bring your outlets up to modern electrical codes.

5. Don’t Overload Circuits

Overloaded circuits happen when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 50,000 home fires in the United States are caused by electrical malfunctions every year. If you begin to notice your lights flicker or blink, your circuit breaker frequently trips, you smell a burning odor or you notice mild shocks from your appliances, you may have overloaded circuits.

6. Keep Electrical Equipment Away From Water

Don’t swim with shocks this season. If you have a pool or hot tub on your property, make sure to keep all electrical appliances, equipment, and cords at least 6 feet away from the water. When possible, use batter-operated appliances and equipment to prevent electrocution.

7. Unplug Power Tools That Aren’t In Use

This spring and summer, you’re likely going to start doing more home renovation projects or yard work. Make sure you’re still keeping the safety top of your mind when you do, though, and unplug any power tools that you’re not using. Not only that, but you should also be storing them in a safe place. This is especially important if you have kids or pets around.

8. Don’t Fly Kites Near Power Lines

Electrical safety isn’t just something you should pay attention to inside your home, but also outside. If you have power lines nearby and plan to fly a kite around your property, be careful. Make sure to never fly kites around power lines. Electricity can travel down the cord of a kite, leading to electric shock. If you do end up getting a kite stuck on a power line, make sure to let it go immediately and never try grabbing it.

9. Never Attempt DIY Projects

Whether you need to rewire or repair your home’s electrical system, we recommend you don’t try to accomplish these tasks on your own. Without the proper training and licensing, working with your electrical system can be very dangerous. It’s best to leave this one to the pros.

10. Schedule Electrical Maintenance

Having a professional come out to your home to inspect all your electrical components is extremely important to make sure your home is safe this year. Maintenance can catch small problems before they become much bigger.

Contact Your Favorite Electricians At Spark Daddy Home Services In St. Louis, MO Today For All Your Electrical Needs!

Whether you need help installing GFCI outlets, or you need to schedule an inspection or maintenance in your St. Louis, MO home, contact Spark Daddy Home Services today. We are here for all your electrical needs! Give us a call today at 314-668-2333 or contact us online here.

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