How to Protect Yourself from Electrical Accidents and Injuries
Every day, someone is involved in an electrical accident that could have been avoided with adequate safety practices. Electrical accidents in the home can have devastating consequences physically for the victim and financially for the homeowner.
Do you know how to protect yourself from electrical accidents or injuries in the home? With a few preventative measures, you can make your surroundings safer for yourself and your family. Follow these electrical safety tips to protect you and your home from electrical hazards.
Limit Extension Cords
Creating a daisy chain of extension cords powering too many connections through the same outlet can quickly create an overload that can lead to a slowdown or complete failure of some devices. Also, extension cords have maximum amperage; if multiple appliances exceed the limit, the cords will overheat, possibly leading to an electrical fire.
Ditch Worn Appliances
If you are still using the deep fryer with the frayed cloth cord handed down from relatives in 1947, it is time to get a new one. Beware of purchasing out-of-date electrical appliances at yard sales and thrift stores. Using damaged or faulty appliances puts you at risk of being shocked or starting a house fire. Replace the old model with an energy-efficient appliance that is safety tested and marked by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) on the label.
Childproof Your Home
Children are naturally curious and have been known to poke things into outlets, causing electrical shock. To keep kids safe, it’s essential to install outlet covers. It’s also a good idea to store all cords, including extension cords, out of the way, as this prevents tripping and discourages children from playing with cords. Teething infants have also been known to chew on exposed cords, resulting in severe shock and fatalities.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Per the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electrocutions have been down 83 percent since ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) came on the market. Unlike a regular outlet, GFCIs protect you by shutting off electricity when something goes wrong. You will recognize a GFCI by the test and reset button on the outlet cover. You may still receive a shock, but there will be no prolonged surge to do lasting damage. Learn more about GFCIs and how to protect yourself from electrical accidents or injuries.
Water and Electricity
Water and electricity are always a bad combination. Electrical appliances such as radios and hair dryers should be kept away from the bathtub and sink. Never use electrical appliances with wet hands or while in the bathtub or shower. Swimming pools should only have installed appropriately rated pool pumps and underwater pool lights.
Stay Safe
Stay safe and follow the handy tips above when it comes to electricity. With the myriad of electronics in the home today, such as cellphones, video game consoles, laptops, and home entertainment centers, there never seem to be enough outlets. If you need more electrical plugs around your house, it’s essential to hire a professional electrician. For those interested in becoming such a professional, enrolling in a qualified technical person course can provide the necessary skills and certifications to perform electrical installations safely and effectively. For more information on how to protect yourself from electrical accidents or injuries, look online for electrical safety tips.
