With the holidays quickly approaching, decorations and lights will
soon dress homes across the Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative service area.
As decorations go up, extension cords will be widely used to carry electricity
where it is needed. SVEC and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)
urges you to use caution when using extension cords and warns that improper use
can pose serious shock and fire hazards this holiday season.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that
about 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing
and injuring over 300 people. This loss can easily be prevented.
Protect your family this holiday by following these important
safety tips from ESFI:
• Check to make sure electrical cords are in good condition. Cracking and
fraying are signs that the electrical cord needs to be replaced. Never use a
cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way.
• Keep all outdoor extension cords and light strands clear of snow, standing
water, and well protected from the elements.
• For electric shock protection, plug outdoor lights and electric decorations
into circuits protected by GFCIs. A GFCI should be used as additional protection
in any area where water may come in contact with electrical products.
• To avoid overheating extension cords, make sure that they do not run under
furniture, carpeting, or behind baseboards.
• Do not place extension cords across walkways or other high traffic areas.
Remember, extension cords are for temporary needs – not permanent
solutions. A recent ESFI survey showed that 78% of Americans use extension cords
as a permanent power supply and not for the temporary use they are designed for.
SVEC and ESFI remind everyone that electricity is a powerful tool.
It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have reduced electrical
hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits
are still the best prevention against electrical hazards.