We all rely on electricity. It is important to at least be familiar with potential dangers and how to identify possible electrical hazards. Electrical fires and electrocutions happen more frequently than you may know. Most of them are preventable. Knowing commonly found electrical hazards will help ensure the health and safety of your home and family.
Water
We all know that water and electricity should never be mixed. Even still, there are occasions when a simple mistake can result in serious injury. Simply turning on your curling iron or hair dryer while your hands are wet could have serious consequences. It is critical that you never touch electrical outlets or appliances of any kind when your hands are wet! Also, be sure to keep any cords away from water sources such as bathtubs, sinks, spas or pools. And always take appropriate steps to ensure that your hands and feet are completely dry before you touch any type of electronics.
Damaged Wires and Cords
If you notice any cords in your home that are frayed, corroded, melted, or have turned black in color, don’t use them. If you can see wires on the inside showing, the odds of suffering a shock, burn or even a fire are increased. As a rule of thumb, if you have damaged cords or wires, do not attempt to fix or mend them. Replace them altogether or contact a professional electrician to help.
Extension Cords
Extension cords can be really handy, and most people use them. However, they should not be used for extended periods of time. Extension cords are meant to be used temporarily and should always be unplugged when they are not in use. When running an extension cord, we also warn you not to run them through your home’s ceilings or walls because this can easily result in overheating and a dangerous electrical fire. If you are constantly in need of using an extension cord, reach out to our qualified electricians here at Gervais Electric and have additional wall outlets installed.
Children and Pets
There is one last hazard, possibly the most important one, we’d like to point out to you. Curious children or even pets are susceptible to shock or worse. Most electrical outlets are positioned and installed near the floor, which makes them easily accessible to our little ones. Though you cannot move the outlets themselves, you can place plastic covers over each of the outlets or plastic plug-ins to safeguard your children and animals. These covers can help stop kids from poking fingers, toys or other objects inside outlets. Also, keep in mind how curious your pets can be and take steps to keep loose wires and cords away from where your pets can easily get to them.
Using these simple but practical tips to minimize the electrical hazards will help safeguard your family, pets and home from serious electrocutions or fires. To learn more about how to protect your family and home, consult with the professionals at Gervais Electric today or read more here on our blog. And don’t forget, whatever your electrical needs may be, no matter how big or small a project you have, Gervais Electric are the ideal team for you. We look forward to serving you with all your family’s electrical needs—winter, spring, summer or fall. Don’t delay. Contact us today!
