It’s heavily encouraged to teach your young children about electrical safety when they become more mobile. Enforcing those rules throughout a child’s life can keep them from getting severely injured. Below are some Benchmark Electrical Services certified tips that will keep you and your family safe in your home.
Don’t Overwhelm an Outlet
Plugging a bunch of appliances into one outlet or into one extension cord with the intention of never taking them out is dangerous to you and your home. It could also damage the electrical system in your house that may lead to a house fire. Tucking away electrical or extension cords will also prevent children or pets from getting to them and possibly causing damage.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Even though it may seem odd putting caps on all unused electrical outlets if you do not have a younger child, they are useful for children and adults of all ages. It not only hides the outlets that are not in use, but could also save energy by stopping cold drafts from entering your home.
Water + Electricity = Hazard
Try to keep electrical appliances away from water to the best of your ability. The majority of electrical accidents in a home happen when people use electricity near water. Humans are great conductors of electricity because it moves quickly through water and our bodies are made up of 70% water.
Be Gentle
Never allow a child or anybody to yank an electrical cord from an outlet. Pulling directly from the plug is much safer not only for the person, but also for the appliance and outlet. If you damage an outlet in the process of yanking a cord, you could be more susceptible to getting injured while using that outlet. In the long run, it is always best to be gentle with anything electrical to always be on the safe side.
Accidents Happen
Accidents happen every day even if your home is in a safe and updated condition. If an electrical accident happens, make sure not to touch the victim who is receiving the shock. You do not want to risk anyone receiving the powerful shock. Find an adult to unplug the appliance from the outlet. Call 911 immediately and let them know that someone has been involved in an electrical accident. Electricity burns from the inside out, so always have a doctor check out any injuries just to ensure your safety.
How We Can Help
Benchmark Electrical Services offers electrical home safety inspections in order to ensure your home’s wiring is not outdated, hazardous, or degraded. With homes having the newest appliances in them, the only way for them to function properly is to have an updated electrical panel and dedicated circuits. Our trusted electricians will check for hazardous areas, updated outlets, exposed wiring, loose power connections, and many more.
Contact our team at Benchmark Electrical Services today to schedule an appointment for more information. We’re dedicated to not only keeping your family safe, but making sure your home is in its safest condition.