Many of us don’t think much about electricity. In a time when electricity is used to power almost everything, it’s easy to forget at the end of the day that electricity is a powerful form of energy that, if misused, can hurt you, damage your devices, or even start fires. Here are 5 easy ways to keep electrical fires from happening. Please keep these in mind and use them to keep yourself and others safe.
Never Overburden An Outlet
There’s always one place in the house where you want to plug in too many things. Many people buy an extension cord to make more connections in this situation. It’s easy to forget that these extra plugs don’t make the socket bigger. Instead, they just let more devices share the same amount of power. If too many devices depend on this, it’s easy for a fire to start. As a general rule, ensure the things you plug in are safe surge protectors, or if you need to, get more sockets installed.
Keep An Eye On Outlets Near Water Sources
Most outlets are put in dry places because it makes sense, but for some, like the ones in kitchens and bathrooms an electrician needs to check that those have GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) that are safe to use near water sources.
Remember Your Devices
Most appliances, like laptops, TVs, and lamps, are safe and shouldn’t cause you too much worry. However, it would be best if you kept an eye on things like space heaters and kitchen appliances. You should never leave them on when nobody else is home. This also includes stoves, ovens, and most other kitchen appliances since most fires start in the kitchen.
Keep Things That Can Catch Fire Away From Outlets
Electricity makes heat; even mild heat that stays on for a long time can start a fire if it comes in contact with something flammable. It is important to keep bed sheets, curtains, and other fabrics away from plugs as much as possible.
Get Rid Of Faulty Appliances That Don’t Work
When you plug in your microwave or toaster, do strange sparks come from it? Please get rid of it, or call an electrician right away. It could quickly become a significant accident. Contact Edison Fire Protection Company to get electric fire safety equipment and fire extinguishers installed in your home at 1-800-222-9338.
