May is Electrical Safety Month

Nearly 500 people die in electrical fires every year, and 5,000 are injured. And almost 150 people are electrocuted while using consumer products, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

One reason for the high casualties: old faulty wiring.

During National Electrical Safety Month in May, examine your use of wiring and cords. If you find one that’s out of date or unsafe, correct the problem before an electrical fire or electrocution makes someone in your family a victim. Here are some tips from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and the Electrical Safety Foundation International, the sponsor of National Electrical Safety Month:

• Electrical systems installed before 1970 were not designed to handle today’s electrical demands. Hire a licensed electrician to inspect your home for potential hazards.
• Replace old electrical products with up-to-date versions that have been certified by a reputable independent testing lab, such as underwriters Laboratories.
• Read the safety warnings on extension cords. Some cords are designed for use with low-wattage appliances. If you plug a low-voltage cord into a high-voltage appliance, you could start a fire. And keep extension cords rated for indoor use out of outdoor sockets.
• Extension cords are for temporary use, so don’t leave them plugged in all the time. Also, keep them out of high traffic areas and do not tuck them under carpets or furniture. Do not nail or staple them to the wall.
• If your home doesn’t have ground-fault interrupters, get them now in bathrooms, the kitchen and the laundry room. They prevent electrocution by shutting off the circuit if they sense a “leak” of current.
• Don’t overload power strips, cords or surge suppressors. And get rid of adapters that allow you to plug three or four appliances into one socket. Especially in older houses, that can overtax your wiring and cause it to burn.

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