Six Rules for Electrical Safety

Even though electricity is useful, it is dangerous, which is why a lot of care must be taken when dealing with it. Adequate safety precautions must be taken to eliminate conditions that can potentially lead to electrocutions. Apart from the danger of electrocution, there is the danger of fire. According to the United States Fire Administration, electrical fires claim the lives of 485 Americans yearly and injure 2,305.

Appliances

• Electrical appliances must be handled with precaution.

  Every home uses a variety of appliances; it is a part of modern-day life. Televisions, vacuum cleaners, blenders and other appliances all require electricity to function. However, safety precautions must be taken to prevent any accidents. Always unplug any appliance that is not being used, and roll up the cords out of the reach of young children or pets. Give electrical appliances enough clearance around them because most of them generate heat and can start a fire when they come into contact with combustible material, such as cloth and plastic bags. Never operate electrical appliances when your hands are wet or while standing in water.

Light bulbs

• Unplug a fixture when changing a light bulb.

  Light bulbs are very common in the home, and they must be handled properly. Use the recommended wattage for every fixture because anything higher could cause the fixture to overheat. Always unplug or turn off a fixture before changing a light bulb.

Cords

• Always pull plugs from outlets instead of tugging on cords.

  Cords are attached to electrical appliances, and many homes have extension cords to extend the range of electrical outlets. Constantly check cords for breaks or frays, use the proper length and size of extension cord for the task at hand and always pull the plug out from the outlet rather than tug on the cord itself.

Outlets

• Never overload an electrical oulet.

  Never overload an electrical outlet with multiple adapters, and do not put any foreign object into an outlet. Block unused outlets by changing to a solid cover plate, and install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in potentially hazardous areas, such as near bathrooms or in kitchens and other places where there is significant risk of electric shock.

Live Wires

• Drive away from live electrical wires.

  If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle when you are driving, remain inside the vehicle and proceed to drive away from the wire. Warn people to stay away from the wire. Call 911 or other appropriate emergency services.

Tips and Warnings

• Know where circuit breakers are located and how to operate them. Never touch anyone being electrocuted with your bare hands; electricity can travel from person to person.