| Safety Tips for: |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| The following are suggestions from the National Electrical
Safety Foundation: |
| |
|
| Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, which can
overheat and lead to fire. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure
there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children. |
| |
|
| Make sure
cords are in good conditions - not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed
out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard,
or to another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture
on them. |
| |
|
| Check to see
that cords are not overloaded. Additionally, extension cords should only be used
on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make
sure extension cords have safety closures to help prevent young children from
shock hazards and mouth burn injuries. |
| |
|
| Make sure
your plugs fit your outlets. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to
make a three-prong fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical
shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Plugs should fit securely
into outlets. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances. |
| |
|
| Circuit Breakers
and fuses should be the correct size current rating for their circuit. If you
do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size
to be used. Always replace a fuse with the same size fuse |
| |  |
| Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) | |
|
| GFCIs can help prevent
electrocution. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may
come into contact. When a GFCI senses current leakage in an electrical circuit,
it assumes a ground fault has occurred. It then interrupts power fast enough to
help prevent serious injury from electrical shock. Test GFCIs regularly according
to the manufacturer's instructions to make sure they are working properly. |
| |
| Water
and Electricity Don't Mix | |
|
| Don't leave
plugged in appliances where they might fall in contact with water. If a plugged-in
appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out - even if it's
turned off. First turn off the power source at the panelboard and then unplug
the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until
it has been checked by a qualified repair person. |
| |
|
| Check the
wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage
for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended;
if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer of the fixture.
Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely; loose bulbs may overheat |
| |
|
| If an appliance
repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or if it has given you a shock,
unplug it and have it repaired or replaced. |
| |
| Entertainment/Computer
Equipment | |
|
| Check to see
that the equipment is in good condition and working properly; look for cracks
or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the
seal of a nationally recognized certification agency. |
| |
|
| Electric-powered
mowers and other tools should not be used in the rain, on wet grass or in wet
conditions. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers before each use for frayed
power cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using
it immediately. Repair it or replace it. Always use an extension cord marked for
outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools. Remember to unplug all
portable power tools when not in use. Since metal ladders conduct electricity,
watch out for overhead wires and power lines. |
| |
|
| During an
electrical storm, do not use appliances (i.e., hairdryers, toasters, and radios)
or telephones (except in an emergency); do not take a bath or shower; keep batteries
on hand for flashlights and radios in case of a power outage: and use surge protectors
on electronic devices and appliances. |
| |
|
| Space Heaters
are meant to supply supplemental heat. Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away
from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture,
and rugs. Don't use in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn
off and unplug when not in use. |
| |
|
| Halogen floor
lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb.
Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with draperies,
clothing or other combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever
you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps
in children's bedrooms or playrooms. |
