Hansen Super Techs | HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Mobile AL

Electrical Safety & You

Jan 21, 2021 | Electrical, General

Electricity is the hero of homes when it comes to convenience and making our lives easier. It powers lights, charges our phones, gives life to our computers, turns on the TV for cartoons, gets the coffee pot going for your morning caffeine fix & so much more! Where would we be without our electric devices? Who knows!

Even with all its benefits, electricity is still a powerful force that should be respected and handled with proper care. Each year, more than 50,000 house fires are caused by faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or malfunctioning machines. On top of that, thousands are sent to the ER each year for minor to critical injuries related to electrical shocks.  Having your whole family know and follow safety guidelines around electricity is an important step in keeping everyone safe & preventing fires in the home.

Safety Tips for Kids

·        Don’t play around with the big green transformer boxes.
·        Don’t play with RC planes, drones, or kites near power lines.
·        Don’t jerk cords from the wall.
·        Water and electricity don’t mix. Keep them apart.
·        When you’re unsure of something, ask an adult!

Suggestions for Homeowners
·        For homes with kids, cover outlets with or covers that can’t be opened or removed by curious little hands.
·        Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet. Remember, extension cords & power strips are only meant to be used for a short time.
·        Use the correct wattage in light fixtures, there should be marking or a label stating the recommended wattage.
·        Once per month, test each smoke/carbon monoxide detectors & replace the batteries as needed
·        Stay observant for the common signs there’s a problem: Hot outlets/light switches, breakers constantly tripping, tingles, or static coming off of electric devices or components.
·        Any time you’re considering upgrading the home or remodeling, have an inspection done by a certified professional.

One of the best discoveries of all time, electricity can be our friend when used properly! When there is a problem, don’t attempt to fix or “band-aid” it yourself. Contact a licensed electrician to evaluate & perform all necessary repairs. This will ensure all work is done safely & meets all required safety provisions. If you need a hand with repairs, renovations or emergencies give Hansen Electric a call at (251) 227-4441.