National Electrical Safety Month: Tips For A Safer Home
May is National Electrical Safety Month. It’s important that this month, and every month, you and your family live in a safe home. If anything goes wrong with your electrical system, it can greatly compromise your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. To ensure your home is safe and your electrical system is in great working condition, here are a few tips.
1. Test Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke alarms are designed to alert you of a possible fire, and carbon monoxide detectors are designed to alert of you of possible carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have an emergency and nothing to alert you, it could be very dangerous – leading to severe injury or a fatality. It’s important to remember to test your smoke alarms and CO detectors to make sure they are in proper working order.
2. Unplug Power Tools That Aren’t In Use
Summer is quickly approaching, which means you’ll likely start to do more home renovations inside and outside your home. As you start new projects this year, it’s important to remember one thing: make sure you unplug all power tools that are not in use. It’s also a good idea to store them in a safe place – especially if you have curious kids or pets roaming around the property.
3. Inspect Light Bulbs For Correct Wattage
Whether outdoor lighting or indoor lighting, you need to make sure the light bulbs are the proper wattage. If you start to smell a burning odor or you start to see scorch marks on your lighting fixture, it’s likely due to being the incorrect wattage.
4. Don’t Fly Kites Near Power Lines
Not only is a safer home important on the inside, but it’s also important on the outside. If you’re out in your yard flying a kite and it gets caught in a power line above, make sure you let it go. You should never try to remove the kite yourself if this happens. Electricity can travel down the cord and cause serious harm to yourself and/or to others.
5. Install GFCI Outlets
Having GFCI outlets installed anywhere there’s a water source present is a great idea for any home. GFCI outlets (ground-fault circuit interrupter) prevents electrical shock and electrical fires. They’re designed to detect the smallest amount of changes in the electrical current, and automatically shuts off the electrical power as soon as a discrepancy is detected.
6. Schedule An Annual Electrical Inspection
An electrical inspection helps prevent any hazards or issues with your electrical system, such as fires and malfunctions. By scheduling a routine inspection with a professional, you can enjoy peace of mind. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to enjoy complete comfort and safety.
Contact OnTime Service For All Your Electrical Needs in Birmingham, AL and Surrounding Areas!
The pros at OnTime Service are here for all your electrical needs. Schedule your electrical inspection, repair, replacement, or maintenance now. Your comfort and safety is our top priority. Contact us today at (205) 872-1944 or online by filling out our form here.
