Electrical Safety Tips For Your Home

On any given day, it is likely that most people use several electrical appliances. With electric appliances being so common in modern homes, it’s easy to forget that there are very real risks and hazards associated with their use. Take the time to brush up on the principles of safe operation – and make sure that everyone in your home is aware of them – in order to prevent unnecessary exposure to hazards and safety risks.

Being safe when using electrical appliances, extension cords, light bulbs and other equipment is easy, and safety tips should be included in household rules, homeschool fire safety and daily behavior expectations for all members of the family. It only takes one mistake to spark an electrical fire, but simple prevention measures can be effective solutions.

• Always screw bulbs in tightly; a loose bulb can cause sparks or shorts.
• Be sure to unplug or turn off a fixture completely before changing light bulbs.
• Do not allow children to play in proximity to small or large electric appliances.
• Replace any tools that put off even mild electric shocks.
• Replace any light switches that have a tendency to flicker.
• Replace any light switches that are hot to the touch.
• Avoid overloading extension cords, sockets and plugs.
• Keep all outlets properly covered with secure plates that cover all wiring.
• Do not ever force a three-prong plug into a two-receptacle socket.
• Know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers are located as well as how to operate them properly.
• Do not operate any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.

Staying Safe at Home Is Key

Even though electricity is commonplace, there is still quite a bit of danger associated with improper use. Carefully observe all safety measures when using electricity to keep yourself – and your family – safe.