by Jeffry T. Del Pilar, OCTOBER 2022
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) the number of fire incidents in the first two months of this year rose by almost 13 percent as compared to the previous year, a total of 2,103 fire incidents were recorded in January and February, an increase of 12.9 percent from only 1,863 incidents in the same period in 2021, the rise in fire incidents in the country is due to more people have been careless in using electrical connections for long hours which resulted in total disregard of fire safety measures.
Here are some tips to avoid home electrical hazards….
Repair or Replace damaged, Cracked, Loose, Faulty Power Cords
The electrical safety precautions at home are those things that you do to prevent injury from an electric shock. This involves various items at home, such as light fixtures and extension cords. It also covers appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, ovens/stoves, and refrigerators.
One of the most common electrical hazards in homes is damaged power cords. Caution should be taken with extension cords because they can easily get caught on furniture or walked over, leading to a short circuit and/or electrical shock.
Keep Electrical Devices Away from the Source of Water to Avoid a potential Shock Hazard
Electrical safety at home can be achieved in several ways, but it’s important to remember that safety doesn’t start and end with the electrical equipment – you also need to take care not to get water near anything plugged into an outlet or power cord.
Some common household items which are prone to be exposed to water include irons, blenders, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, coffee pots (especially those without a drip tray), and microwaves.
Avoid Overloading Outlets
You may think that you can get away with plugging more than one appliance into an outlet at a time if it’s not too close to the other devices. However, this is dangerous for your home’s electrical system.
Overloading outlets can cause certain appliances (e.g., refrigerators) to shut off prematurely or stop working entirely due to overheating-related issues.
Unplug Appliances When Not in Use to Avoid the Risk of Overheating
One of the most critical steps to take when it comes to electrical safety is unplugging your appliances if they’re not in use.
Use the Proper Wattage for Lamps and Lighting Fixtures
Below is a list of guidelines to keep in mind when choosing the proper wattage for lamps and lighting fixtures:
- Lighting should be kept at 60 watts or less, with 40 being preferable. Do not place more than one light bulb per lamp unless two switches allow you to turn them on separately.
- Do not mix old incandescent bulbs with newer energy-efficient ones because they use different amounts of power and can cause flickering or even fire hazards.
- Use night lights instead of table lamps if children will be afraid of sleeping without any light coming from their room. Night lights can also provide enough illumination so adults do not feel as though everything needs to be lit up brightly during the evening hours.
Always Follow Appliance Instructions for Improved Electrical Safety
In every appliance manual, there is information about the proper use of the device. When you assemble a new toy for your child or grandchild, look at the instructions and follow them step by step to avoid potential hazards.
One of the most common electrical hazards is a frayed or damaged extension cord. Extension cords should never be run under carpeting, and they are typically not meant to carry heavy loads for more than a few feet in length. If you do use an extension cord that has visible wear and tear on it, be sure to place furniture underneath so it is not in contact with the floor.
Another potential electrical hazard that can put you at risk for injury or death is an overloaded power outlet. Because it only takes a few minutes of running time to blow a fuse, we recommend replacing old fuses with newer ones before they go out altogether and cause more expensive repairs.
Give Your Appliances Proper Space for Air Circulation to Avoid Overheating
To avoid overheating, make sure you give your appliances plenty of room to breathe.
This will help them cool off and stay efficient for a long time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where each appliance should be placed to get the best results from it.
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About the writers:
Jeffry T. Del Pilar. I am not a fan of titles, positions, or work hours to define leadership… It is about the correct mindset and relationship with the people.
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