Tips to Avoid Dangerous Situations With Electricity
- Stay away from utility poles or fences around substations.
- Make sure electrical cords and/or wires are away from heat & water.
- Never touch electrical appliances or devices such as light switches, hair dryers, curling irons, mixers, or toasters when touching water.
- Never an electric cord by its cord to unplug it.
- Fly kites far away from any power lines, and never fly any type of metallic balloons outside.
- Don’t put your fingers in a light bulb socket.
- Never pick up a fallen electrical wire, stay away!
- Make sure to disconnect appliances before cleaning them.
- Tell someone if you see a frayed cord.
- During an electrical storm, you should not be swimming.
- Be careful not to touch any overhead wires with a ladder, pool skimmer, or other long objects.
- Never climb a tree that has power lines running through or around it.
- Make sure NOT to use any electrical appliances when you’re wet.
- Remove all damaged plugs and cords on outdoor and indoor appliances.
Each year electrical home fires claim the lives of 485 people in the US each year, and injure 2,305 more. A lot of these fires are caused by failures from electrical systems and appliance defects, but most are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical devices, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuit boards and extension cords.
The US Fire Administration (USFA) has informed consumers that there are simple steps to take to prevent the loss of lives and property resulting from electrical fires.
The Problem
In a normal year, home electrical issues account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868,000,000 in property losses. Electrical wiring in homes causes twice as many fires as electrical appliances or devices.
The Facts
December is the most dangerous month for electrical fires. Deaths claimed by fires are highest in winter months which use electricity by increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical wiring fires in homes start in the bedroom.
