Snow, freezing rain, high winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, winter storms, and earthquakes can result in power outages. In some cases, a power outage can last for days or weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. Therefore, no matter where you live, you’re not immune to power outages, so it’s best to be prepared so you’re not caught off guard on the day of the outage.

Why The Need To Prepare?

As a community, we rely on electricity for heating, cooling, food, drinking water, medical care, communication, and many other things. Power outages are especially dangerous during extremely cold temperatures or extremely hot temperatures. Those who use medical devices that rely on electricity may also be at risk during power outages. By preparing for power outages, you can minimize their impact and keep your family safe. Here are a few steps you can take short of getting an electrical inspection.

Prepare in Advance

Be Sure You’re Ready. That Simply Means:

• Be kept informed by alerts, warnings, and public safety information during, before, and after emergencies.

• For updates on outages, sign up for text or email alerts from your utility provider.
• You should create and review your family’s emergency plan.
• Prepare an emergency kit. Consider alternative charging methods such as auto, solar, and crank chargers for your cell phone and other devices that require power.

Prepare Your Home

• Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
• You may wish to buy a generator in case of a power outage. Learn how to use it safely before an outage by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Make sure you have enough heating fuel. You may want to consider backup heating options, such as fireplaces or wood stoves.
• Make sure you know how to operate the manual release lever on your electric garage door opener.
• In case you have life-supporting equipment, such as breathing machines or dialysis machines, or if you have other medical supplies that need electricity, talk to your health care provider about how to use them during a power outage;
• Contact your local electric company and equipment suppliers about your power needs. Utility companies will sometimes put you on a priority reconnection service list;
• Make sure the fire department knows that you require life-support devices; and
• Ask your pharmacist about storing medication properly during an extended power outage if your medication requires refrigeration.

If you are preparing for an impending storm that will cause power outages, consider these additional tips:

• Make sure your cell phone, laptop, and other electronic devices are fully charged.

• Fill your bathtub and spare containers with water if you have a water supply like a well-water pump system that is affected by a power outage. The water in the bathtub should only be used for sanitation. You can fill up a bucket with this water and pour it directly into the bowl of the toilet to flush it.

• Don’t forget to fill up your car’s tank. Some gas stations may not have working pumps during a power outage.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer on their coldest setting to keep food cold, but remember to set them back to normal once power is restored.

During a Power Outage

When the power’s out, do not panic. Instead, remember to do the following tips:

• Monitor alerts. 

Make sure you are up-to-date on local weather reports, as well as any notifications you receive by phone, television or radio. You may be notified of a planned power outage by utility officials. Also, if local alerts and warning systems are available, sign up for them so that they will notify you by phone or text message.

• Contact your support network. 

Tell the people in your network that you are OK, check to see if they are OK, and ask one another for help if you need it.

• Keep food cold and when in doubt, throw it out. 

Fresh, perishable foods should be eaten first. To maintain cold temperatures, avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. Food will stay cold for about four hours if the refrigerator is not opened. In a full freezer, the temperature will remain at the desired level for about 48 hours. You can use ice in coolers if necessary. Check the food temperature in your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer. Discard any food that is warmer than 40 degrees F.

• Prevent power overloads and fire hazards. 

Make sure all electronics and appliances are unplugged to prevent power surges and overloads. Use flashlights instead of candles. Do not turn off the utilities unless you suspect damage or a local official instructs you to do so. Gas can only be turned on by a qualified individual. If any circuit breakers have been tripped, contact an electrician to inspect them before turning them on.

• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Don’t use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use outdoor stoves indoors for heating or cooking. If using a generator, keep it outside in a well-ventilated area away from windows.

• Decide if you need to stay or go.

Evacuate if your home is too hot or too cold, or if you have medical devices that need power. Communities often provide warming or cooling centers and power charging stations.

After a Power Outage

Your power might be restored, but you shouldn’t be careless to roam around your house. Instead; 

1. Keep away from power lines. Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Call 911 and let them know.
2. Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.
3. When in doubt, throw it out. If food is 40 degrees F or warmer, especially dairy and meat, throw it out. 
4. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet away from windows.
5. If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
6. Make sure you’ve put out any candles and kerosene lamps you used during the outage. These can be a fire hazard when left unattended.

Other Tips You Must Keep in Mind During Power Outage

First Aid for Electrical Shock

If you believe someone has been electrocuted take the following steps:

• Look first. Don’t touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you.
• Call or have someone else call 911 or emergency medical help.
• Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from you and the affected person using a nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic, or wood.
• Once the person is free of the source of electricity, check the person’s breathing and pulse. If either has stopped or seems dangerously slow or shallow, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
• Don’t touch burns, break blisters, or remove burned clothing. Electrical shock may cause burns inside the body, so be sure the person is taken to a doctor.

Power Line Hazards and Cars

Downed Power Pole and Power Lines

When a power line falls on your car, you should remain in the vehicle. It is the safest place to be. Don’t let anyone touch the vehicle or the line. Contact the local utility company and emergency services for assistance.

You should only leave a car that is in contact with a downed power line if it catches fire. You should open the door. Do not get out of the car. You might get shocked. You should instead jump out of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. As soon as you clear the car, shuffle at least 50 feet away from the vehicle with both feet on the ground.

During any type of power line emergency, dial 911 or call your electric utility company’s customer service center or dispatch office immediately. Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.

Dangers of Gasoline Siphoning

When natural disasters like hurricanes and floods strike, gasoline may not be available prior to, during, and after. Occasionally, people might want to put gasoline from one container into another container if they do not have enough gasoline. This can be accomplished by siphoning. Siphoning can be harmful to your health. Do not attempt to siphon gasoline. This can result in serious injury or illness.

Possible injuries and illnesses from any form of siphoning include:

• Burns and injury from unintentional combustion of gasoline and/or gasoline vapors. In the event, a lit cigarette comes into contact with gasoline or its vapors, or the vapors come into contact with static electricity, this can occur
• Experiencing drowsiness, headaches, confusion, or trouble concentrating after breathing gasoline vapors
• Upon contact, skin, eye or mucus membranes may be irritated

Other possible injuries and illnesses from siphoning when you use your mouth for suction include:

• When gasoline is inhaled during mouth-based siphoning, the lungs can be damaged
• If any gasoline is swallowed, the signs and symptoms of the digestive system may be experienced, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• Immediately seek medical attention if you breathe gasoline fumes or swallow gasoline and feel ill

Safety at Work During Power Recovery

People at work may suffer electrical or traumatic injuries as power lines are re-energized and equipment is reactivated following an outage. Employers and employees are recommended to be aware of those risks and take preventive measures if they are in contact with or close to power lines, electrical components, or moving parts of heavy machinery.

Generator Safety Tips

The best way to survive a power outage is to avoid it altogether. A home generator can keep your heat and lights on during emergency outages, which can save you a lot of time and stress. 

Nonetheless, NEVER run a generator inside your home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Conclusion

Power outages can be a hassle, but there are ways to make the best out of a bad situation. To minimize inconvenience and safety risks, it’s always best to prepare for power outages in advance. This way you will be able to weather any storm with confidence.

When the weather turns cold, many people utilize electrical devices to keep their homes warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, portable heating equipment can catch fire if safety regulations are not followed. Due to the desire to stay inside and the desire for warmth, more electricity is consumed, increasing the risks associated with electricity.

During the winter, there are a number of electricity-related issues that might cause trouble for homeowners. Homeowners should be especially careful during severe weather because heavy snow, rain, and strong winds, among other things, can cause power outages, fluctuations, and other electrical risks. In light of this, learn some electrical safety tips in order to keep your family warm and safe this winter.

Check Your Central Electrical Panel

Your central electrical panel is the nerve center of your home’s electricity system so it is important to be familiar with your circuit panel. You should make sure everyone in the household knows where it is located.

You need to make sure there are no loose wires or worn insulation that could cause sparks or fires when inspecting it. Check that all of the switches are labeled and are working correctly. Remove any obstructions blocking easy access to the panel. Having the ability to quickly shut everything down if needed is extremely important.

Check For And Prevent Leaks

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. When snow and ice melt, water leaks can create issues with your home’s electrical panels or outlets. It is crucial that homeowners avoid water leaks in and around their homes. Be sure to check all the equipment that may cause leaks, such as your hot water heater, and ensure it is working properly. Whenever the exterior electric meter box is flooded or water has flooded electrical outlets, there is a greater chance of a hazardous spark.

In addition, the house gutters need to be cleaned to stop rainwater from coming into your basement or home, and the water pressure needs to be checked. High water pressure can cause ruptures and damage pipes, connections, and appliances. You should seek help from an expert if you observe any leakage as soon as possible to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of fire.

Check Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A smoke and carbon monoxide detector is installed in almost every home to prevent fires. Smoke alarms are an essential part of any home, but homeowners should never assume that they will always function properly. Each month, test your smoke detector by pressing the test button, which will cause an alarm to sound 

Winter is a time when nearly 30% of house fires occur, so make sure you change the batteries on all your smoke detectors and test them. Make sure you replace your batteries at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer if you need to.  If it’s time to replace the entire device, be sure to pick up new models according to code. It is important to use detectors with battery backup because they will still function even when the power goes out. For this, you should hire a licensed electrician to install new smoke detectors and provide guidance on their selection and placement.

Maintain HVAC Systems

Be sure that all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are working properly. By testing the air quality with a portable detector, the HVAC specialist will determine whether your home is subject to carbon monoxide poisoning. You should ensure that no problems exist with the flues, ducts, or vents that could result in dangerous gas leaks. In order to prevent any further risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, repairs should be made immediately. Also, adjust your thermostat if needed to save energy this winter season. Even adjusting the temperature by 1 degree can help reduce your electricity bills.

Make Sure That All Electrical Outlet Covers Are In Good Condition

Make sure to replace cracked or missing electrical outlet covers this winter season since it could pose a serious hazard. To reduce the risk of children getting electric shocks from electrical outlets, ensure that all outlets are covered. This will not only protect your children but will also prevent objects from falling into the outlet and causing a fire.

Overgrown Trees Should Be Trimmed

Trees are a homeowner’s delight, but overgrown trees can be hazardous too. Trees should never block the view of smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or outlets because this could pose a serious fire hazard. Therefore, it is important to keep your home safe by having any branches that are blocking existing light switches and electrical outlets pruned away by an expert. If you have tall trees around your home it is best to trim back their branches so they do not touch power lines. Downed power lines are dangerous and can lead to power outages, electrocution, and house fires. To reduce the risk of accidental contact with overhead power lines during winter months, hire an expert to take care of any dead wood and limbs near your property.

Check Outdoor Lighting

It is important to check outdoor lighting every 6 months because it can get damaged by falling icicles or snow. If you do not like the idea of climbing on your roof, hire an expert to inspect for any problems with lighting outside your house. Ensure that all wiring is free from damage and that it makes a secure connection before plugging in lights. Always use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets outdoors including near pools, spas and hot tubs to reduce the risk of electrical shock while taking baths during winter months.

Use Surge Protectors To Protect Appliances

Surge protectors are also important for protecting all your sensitive electronic equipment during winter. Ensure that the surge protector has the UL seal of approval to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is not safe to assume that power will not go out this winter because it could happen at any time. Keeping one or two backup generators for emergencies can be helpful in times of prolonged power outage.

Take Care With Space Heaters

Space heaters are often used to heat homes during the winter, but they should be kept away from anything that can easily catch fire. Be sure to use only the proper type of heater for your home and never place a heater near water or in an area where anyone might knock it over by accident. 

In addition, space heaters should be placed on flat, level surfaces and plugged directly into an outlet or surge protector. You should never use a heater that has a damaged or torn cord, and you should never use an extension cord with a space heater. Space heaters are blamed for many house fires every year so they should never be left unattended and using them safely is extremely important.

Unplug Unused Gadgets And Appliances

Put a nightly routine in place or unplug the non-essential electrical devices that are not connected to a surge protector. Electrical equipment can short circuit during winter storms. By unplugging these items, you’ll be able to save some electricity and avoid fires.

Check And Discard Worn Electrical Blankets

An electric blanket is placed beneath the bottom bed sheet and above the mattress. Wear and tear, manufacturing flaws, and inappropriate use can all cause electrical blankets to malfunction, posing a fire hazard. Units that are ten years or older are the source of many electrical blanket fires. You should regularly discard outdated or worn blankets and unplug it when it is not in operation.

Inspecting And Maintaining Your Appliances Is Important For Safety Too

In order to make sure everything at home stays safe this winter, remember to inspect and maintain any appliances. Ensure that oven controls are working properly and that no appliance cords have frayed insulation or broken plugs which might prevent them from working properly during an emergency situation 

Do not overload extension cords and power strips as they can lead to overheating and start fires. If there is a problem with an appliance such as a refrigerator or freezer, call in an appliance repair professional immediately because continued use might lead to serious injury or fire.

Consider Generator Installation And Maintenance

This time of year, you might experience electrical problems with your home’s electrical system because of a major winter storm. Nobody likes being without electricity. Make sure that your portable generator is on and properly mounted when the ice storms hit so that you can have safe and continuous power. As portable generators emit carbon monoxide, they should always be kept as far away from the home as possible.

Generally, it is a good idea to have a dedicated circuit for your portable generator so that you can only plug in the maximum amount of power it can handle. And, if you are fortunate enough to have a whole-house generator, make sure it’s running before a big storm hits.

Conclusion

Winter is unquestionably a time when electricity usage increases, necessitating greater attention to electrical safety. As winter approaches, multiple power outages result from severe winds, snowfall, and heavy rains. Make sure all electrical cables are properly insulated. Accidents involving electricity can be extremely dangerous and financially devastating. We recommend you follow the safety tips mentioned above and take precautions.

Electric panels are metal boxes in your basement or garage. This is where all of your home’s electric circuits are housed. Electrical panels are where your home receives electricity from the power company. It distributes electricity to your lights, appliances, and other electronic devices. Many people refer to electrical panels as “fuse boxes”, but that name is misleading since most homes no longer use fuses.

There are different circuits for different rooms, areas, or appliances. For instance, your kitchen outlets may be on one circuit, and your living room outlets may be on a different circuit. Ideally, you or the electrician have labeled all of the circuits on your panel. Controlling each circuit in your home can be done in one of two ways:

• Fuses – It looks like the end of a lightbulb. They are small electric plugs that screw into your electric panel. The small wire in the fuse melts if a circuit the power becomes overloaded, stopping electricity flow to that circuit. The fuse must be replaced manually. Many electrical experts think fuses are outdated.

• Circuit breakers- Generally, these are safer and more common. These are the switches inside your electrical panel. When a circuit becomes overloaded, the power will simply be shut off. If something has overloaded the circuit, you can unplug it and flip the breaker back on without having to replace it.

What Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade?

While many people do not fully comprehend what the electric upgrade process entails, understanding it is important nonetheless. If you haven’t had noticeable problems with your electrical system, you haven’t had much incentive to learn about upgrades.

In reality, however, you need to understand how and why electrical upgrades are necessary. Faulty or overloaded circuits are potentially dangerous and could result in a fire starting in your home.

Signs You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

1. It’s Original to Your Home

Electrical panels have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years on average. Does yours fit into this age range?

Even if you don’t notice any obvious signs that your circuit breaker is struggling to power your home, it may be worth hiring a professional electrician to investigate. They will be able to quickly assess your home’s electrical system.

2. You Constantly Flip Breakers

When a large amount of power is drawn by one part of your home at the same time, the panel trips. You will have to flip the breaker to restore power when this happens.

It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. However, if you seem to flip fuses constantly, it’s likely time to have your breaker inspected.

3. Your Panel Doesn’t Use Breakers

While flipping breakers can be a sign that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, yours may not use breakers at all. In houses built before 1960, fuse panels directed electricity. While revolutionary for their time, fuse panels are now a fire hazard, and you should replace them. When you have to change a fuse rather than flip a breaker, you might want to consider an upgrade.

4. Not Enough Outlets

Are you often forced to use a power strip to overcome the lack of electrical outlets throughout your home? In this case, your electrical panel may not be able to handle the extra electrical flow.

If your panel can accommodate additional circuits, an electrician can install additional outlets. Alternatively, if it cannot, replacing the panel may be a better option.

5. Smells Like Something Is Burning

It is always unsettling to smell something burning in your home. If the smell appears to be coming from the electrical panel, take action as soon as possible. A malfunctioning circuit breaker can quickly cause a fire within your home.

If you smell burning plastic or wood, it’s likely the plastic jacket of an electrical wire melting. When you smell wood, you may have damage inside your home’s walls. Occasionally, an electrician may be able to fix the problem if the smell is subtle and disappears. But if the smell is overwhelming and you are worried a fire has started, you need to evacuate your home and call 911.

6. Warm or Hot Electrical Panel

Circuit breakers trip when they begin to overheat. When your circuit breaker is hot to the touch or warm to the touch, this could be a sign of a severe malfunction. You should have your panel checked by a professional as soon as possible.

7. Lights Flicker or Dim When Turning an Appliance On

Are your overhead kitchen lights dimmed when you start the dishwasher or use the microwave? If so, this is a sign of too much power being drained from a single circuit.  Additional circuits may be able to be added, but a complete replacement may be the best option. The advice of a professional electrician will help you decide what route to take.

8. You’re Getting Ready for a Remodel

If your electrical panel is outdated, we have already discussed replacing it. However, when you remodel your home, you are almost certain to need to replace your breaker as you update different parts of the electrical system. The act of replacing old wiring and junction boxes can prove to be a blessing in disguise. As a result, you’ll have a safer, more efficient electrical system, which increases your home’s resale value.

9. You’re Adding Additional Appliances

If your home is older, or the previous owners had fewer appliances, you may need to update the breaker as you update certain areas. As an example, if you plan on adding a dishwasher to your kitchen or a large freezer in the basement, your existing panel may not have enough juice to keep everything running. Your panel’s amps can be checked by an electrician to determine if they match your household’s needs.

Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade

A new electrical panel upgrade will contribute to the safety and modernity of your home, but there are additional benefits to an electrical panel upgrade that increase the value of your home.

1. Safety

Electrical circuits should not run at over 80% capacity, or else they will eventually become a major hazard. Considering the lighting and HVAC systems alone can use 40 amps, a 100 amp system is already at half of 80% utilization before you even turn on the television or washing machine. Nowadays, a household with a lot of activity simply cannot use 100 amps. The electrical panel can be upgraded to 200 amps to reduce the chances of breaker trips and to prevent electrical fires by delivering all electricity from the main panelboard to the secondary circuits.

2. Increased Power

If you are adding a hot tub and/or remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, make sure you have the power distribution needed for years to come.

3. Freedom to expand appliances and your home

Installing a new electrical panel that can handle your home’s power needs will increase the value of your property. It is important to plan for the future and to ensure that all your power needs are met for whatever your home needs.

4. Makes Your Home Energy Efficient

Electrical panels that are older use more energy to do the job than those that have been upgraded. Over time, lower energy consumption translates directly into saving money.

5. It Could Lower Insurance Premiums

When you have an electrical panel and system that is up-to-date and electrical code compliant, the amount you pay in homeowner’s insurance premiums will be lower. What makes this possible? As it turns out, the increased safety of your home after upgrading your electrical panel will directly impact your liability.

Is an Electrical Panel Upgrade the Right thing to do?

It can be difficult to determine when the right time is to upgrade your electrical panel. Fortunately, electrical contractors are on hand to ensure the safety of your home. Make sure the electrical system in your home is safe. Do not try to figure it out on your own in case you are unsure. Instead, schedule an electrical panel inspection to get a professional’s opinion and recommendations.

If you want your home to be safe and your electrical system to be reliable, make sure it is up-to-code. If you are looking to expand your home or bring it into the 21st century, it is a good idea to have your system checked. In spite of your electrical system appears to be in good working order, an inspection can uncover any existing or potential problems. Upgrades to your electrical panel might be the solution you are looking for.

How to Replace Home’s Electric Panel?

Your life will be made easier if you upgrade your home’s electrical service. But this process will require the services of a skilled electrician. Tinkering with your electrical panel can be dangerous if not deadly. Those large black wires on the top of your electrical box are the lines coming from the meter outside and are always live. Never touch them or the lug nuts connecting them.

Furthermore, homeowners are required to apply for a permit to do electrical work in their homes. You should also check with your insurance company before attempting any home electrical work yourself to make sure your coverage still applies. There may also be a need for an inspection.

Get Professional Electrical Panel Upgrade Today

With licensed electricians you can trust, you won’t have to worry about electrical panel upgrades. Two Brothers Electrical can make overloaded circuits, fire hazards, and high energy bills a thing of the past by replacing your electric panel. Installing or replacing a fuse box provides peace of mind in exchange for a small investment.

Our everyday lives are impacted by electricity. It is our constant companion from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep. The fact that it is a normal part of our lives makes us sometimes forget that it has a powerful and dangerous potential. Sadly, these are very real threats that can cause injury or even death or damage to your property.

Electrical Safety Tips Anyone Can Follow

To ensure your family’s safety when using electrical appliances, extension cords, light bulbs, and other equipment, safety tips should be incorporated into daily household rules, homeschool fire safety, and daily expectations for behavior. The risk of sparking an electrical fire is only one mistake away, but simple preventative measures can help provide solutions.

Luckily, electrical safety practices and understanding how electricity works can help you prevent accidents at home. The following are some best practices for keeping you and your family safe around electricity:

Check That You’re Using The Correct Wattage In All Your Fixtures And Appliances

You should always check all your lamps, fixtures, and appliances to ensure they’re using the proper wattage to avoid electrical problems. For light fixtures with no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. You should also use 25-watt bulbs for unmarked ceiling fixtures.

Pro tip: LED bulbs consume less power and reduce the risk of fixtures overheating. Learn more about LED lighting.

Watch Out For Overloaded Outlets To Protect Your Home

It is common for electrical problems to be caused by overloading an electrical outlet. Ensure that all outlets are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates, and are in good working order.  Keep outlets safe with the following tips:

• Appliances should not be connected to extension cords or multi-outlet converters.
• Do not plug more than one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Professional electricians should be consulted for hot outlet problems.
• Remember that power strips only add outlets. They do not change the amount of power an outlet receives.
• Smart plugs can be used to monitor outlet power loads and can automatically shut off appliances when an outlet begins to overheat.
• Repair or replace damaged electrical cords to ensure your home is safe.
• Never plug in anything other than the appropriate size plug into an outlet.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets should be installed in potentially hazardous areas such as around pools, crawl spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and unfinished basements.
• All outlets should be properly covered with secure plates that cover all wiring.

Damaged Power Cords Are A Serious Residential Electrical Safety Risk

Almost every electrical appliance has a cord, and many homes use extension cords to extend the reach of electrical outlets. They can cause both fires and electrocutions. These tips can help keep cords in good condition for safe use:

• Be sure to check cords regularly for fraying, cracks, and kinks, including power tool cords, holiday lights, and extension cords. You must do this before each use.
• You should never use cords for anything other than what they were designed for, so you should never use them as a jumping rope, clothes line or leash.
• Outlet cords should be firmly plugged in. If it is loose and can be pulled out easily, choose a different, more snug outlet.
• At no time should cords be stapled or nailed in place. In case the cord does not remain where desired, secure it with tape or twist ties.
• Cords should not be placed beneath rugs where they may become a trip hazard or where fraying will not be apparent. Additionally, covering a cord prevents it from keeping as cool as possible.
• Modifications to a cord’s plug should never be made, such as cutting off the third prong or filing down a wider prong to fit into a different outlet.
• The use of extension cords should be minimized whenever possible, since they are a temporary solution only.
• Make sure the extension cord is the right weight and length for the job, and check whether it is rated for indoor or outdoor use.
• When unplugging a cord, pull on the cord at the outlet rather than tug on the cord itself.

Electrical safety rules don’t just apply to power cords when they’re in use. They also need to be stored safely to prevent damage. Keep stored cords away from children and pets who may chew on or play with the cords. Lastly, try to avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects; this can stretch the cord or cause overheating.

Furthermore, the use of extension cords on a regular basis may mean that you don’t have enough outlets to fit your needs. Have a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety rules install additional outlets in rooms where you often use extension cords. 

Unplug All Your Unused Appliances To Reduce Potential Risks

One of the simplest electrical safety tips is also one of the easiest to forget: unplug your appliances when they are not in use. This does more than just save you electricity by reducing phantom drains; unplugging unused appliances also protects them against overheating.

It’s often difficult to remember to unplug unused appliances, but the new generation of smart plugs offers a solution, allowing you to set power schedules for each outlet.

Keep Electrical Devices And Outlets Away From Water To Prevent Shock.

It’s not a good idea to mix water and electricity. To follow electrical safety rules, keep electrical equipment dry and away from water prevents damage to appliances and can protect against personal injury and electrocution. It’s essential to keep your hands dry when working with electrical appliances. Water and electricity are less likely to come in contact with electrical equipment when it is kept away from plant pots, aquariums, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

Give Your Appliances Proper Space For Air Circulation To Avoid Overheating.

Unless electrical equipment has adequate air circulation, it can overheat and short, and can become a fire hazard. It is important to keep appliances properly ventilated and not to run electrical equipment inside enclosed cabinets. Additionally, flammable objects should be stored far away from all appliances and electronics for best electrical safety. Pay especially close attention to your gas or electric dryer, as these need to be situated at least a foot from the wall to function safely.

Ensure That All Your Exhaust Fans Are Clean To Prevent Fire Hazards.

It is not uncommon for exhaust fans in some appliances to become dirty or clogged with debris, which makes them work harder. As a result, the appliance can have a shortened life and can also cause overheating, which can result in a fire hazard in the home if dangerous gases build up inside it. Regularly cleaning exhaust fans can help prevent such hazards.

Always Follow Appliance Instructions For Improved Electrical Safety

Among the safety tips for household electrical devices, reading instructions should be at the top of the list. Having an understanding of how to operate appliances safely improves both the performance and the safety of your device. You should stop using any appliance that gives you even a slight electrical shock until you have it checked by a qualified electrician.

Be Aware Of Heaters And Water Heaters To Prevent Potential Accidents

Combustible items should be kept away from portable heaters and built-in furnaces. For furnace safety, store combustibles far away from any heating appliances. It is recommended that portable heaters not be operated near drapes, and to prevent tipping they should be placed on a stable surface at all times.

On a related note, do you know what temperature your water heater is set to? Heater settings set too high can drain your water heater’s energy and result in burns and unintentional scalding, especially in homes with small children.

Remember This

It is imperative to know what to do in the event of an electrical short or spark to prevent or extinguish the fire, which will help to minimize the damage and devastation. A number of common causes and signs of electrical fires need to be considered. Take note of the following tips for family safety.

• You should not allow children to play near small or large appliances with electric currents.
• Replace any tool that generates even mild electric shocks.
• Light switches that flicker should be replaced.
• If any light switches feel hot to the touch, they need to be replaced.
• Extendable cords, sockets, and plugs should not be overloaded.
• Three-prong plugs should never be inserted into two-receptacle sockets.
• You should know where fuse boxes and circuit breakers are located, as well as how to use them.
• You should never attempt electrical repairs or rewiring without proper certification and experience.
• If there is an electrical fire, do not use water; instead, use a dry fire extinguisher or baking soda.

These safety tips are a great place to start, but the best way to protect you and your home against electrical fires or electrocution is to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do any electrical work in your home. You should also, of course, call 911 or other appropriate emergency services immediately in case of electrical injury or fire.