Think Electrical Safety This Month

Whether driving our cars, crossing the street or chopping vegetables, we know we need to take the appropriate precautions to stay safe. This May during Electrical Safety Month, Hydro One is challenging homeowners to make electrical safety part of their regular home maintenance routine.

Here is a list of things to check off your list:

• Keep electrical cords away from heat and water as they can both damage the insulation and create a shock hazard.
• When you’re changing a light bulb, be sure to turn off the switch or circuit.
• Put safety caps on any unused electrical outlets, especially if there are young children in the house.
• Inspect cords and plugs. Make this part of your routine prior to using a tool or an appliance. Replace electrical cords that have cut, broken, or cracked insulation, and remember to pull the plug, not the cord to extend the life of the cord itself.
• Avoid octopus outlets. Clusters of wires and plugs can be a fire hazard, along with using extension cords as permanent wiring. These products were never meant to be used that way and are an indication that you should consider updating the wiring in your home.
• If you’re in the market for a new home this spring, an electrical inspection should be high on your list prior to signing on the dotted line. Not only do you want to ensure that your new home is safe, but you also want to know upfront if updates to the home’s wiring are required to bring it up to code.

Source: Homeservice Club