Being savvy about electricity around the house is a key component of safety. Electricity is often underestimated, but can be extremely dangerous when the necessary safety precautions are not taken and implemented in your home.
For you to prevent any near-miss or injury from happening, you need to apply a couple of safety measures. Here’s a list of five tips to ensure your loved ones are safe.
1. Keep Electrical Cords Away from Water
Make sure that your electrical cords and appliances are always far away from spillages or water. Having electricity exposed to water can cause serious injury, and you should always ensure plugs and other appliances are dry. Wipe any damp or wet areas with a cloth to ensure there is no risk of water conducting electricity.
2. Don’t Overload Power Outlets
Outlets are designed to accommodate a certain amount of energy. If you overload these power outlets, it can very well result in a minor explosion or even a fire. Be sure not to have too many things plugged into one outlet, or use a power strip that will enable you to use more power.
3. Leave Cords Tidy
Try to use as little extension cords as possible. Having a bunch of cords lying around the house can be a dangerous safety hazard as someone may trip and fall. If you don’t have enough outlets, rather call an electrician to install some more than risk someone getting injured.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Damaged Cords
Cords can easily damage and wear over time. Sometimes rodents or even pets gnaw and bit cords that cause them to fray. This can be an accident waiting to happen if left untouched. Rather be safe and have the cord fixed or get a new cord altogether. You can use electrical tape to cover open wiring.
5. Install Tamper-Resistant Caps
Last but not least, if you have little ones around it’s best to have your home childproofed. Toddlers love exploring, and find power outlets very interesting. Those tiny fingers might try to go in there, and you want to prevent that from happening. Get someone to install tamper-resistant caps for safety.
Prevention in most cases is much better than the cure. Instead of waiting for a tragic accident to happen, be sure to implement these safety tips in your home today. Here’s some more great tips on fire and electrical safety for children.