Make May 2022 Your Home’s Electrical Safety Month

For the 31 days in May every year, homeowners can recognize National Electrical Safety Month by raising their own awareness about electrical hazards at home and the various ways to prevent them. Below will cover two lists of “DON’Ts” and “DOs” to improve safety at your home.

DON’Ts

• Don’t touch a downed power line. Don’t ever get inside a vehicle or drive over a downed power line. If you ever see a downed line, leave the location immediately and contact the local utility.
• Don’t use

  extension

  cords permanently. Instead, install extra outlets with the help of a licensed electrician.
• Never place a ladder, pole or anything else so it touches or is close to a power line. Kites or drones should never be flown close to power lines or substations.
• Overloaded electrical circuits can cause home fires, so don’t use multi-outlet converters or extension cords for appliances. Plug every major appliance directly into a wall outlet.

DOs

• Be aware of wattage and only use light bulbs that do not exceed the maximum wattage listed on a fixture or lamp.
• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets should be installed in all areas where water is present. These areas are bathrooms, garages, kitchens, and the outdoors. Water and electricity can be a deadly combination.
• Inspect electrical cords for fraying or breaking connectors. Trash defective ones immediately and replace them with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed cords.
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked every month to ensure they are properly functioning.
• Make sure to turn off and unplug devices, portable appliances, and tools after using them. Typical examples are power tools, hair dryers, and toys.
• Kids become naturally curious about electrical outlets. Install child-proof outlet covers as a precaution. A professional can install Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) that will prevent burns and shocks to ensure safety.

For More Information: ESFI National Electric Safety Month – May 2022

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:

• Commercial & Residential Electrical Installations
• Marina & Residential Pier Wiring
• Electrical Service & Repair
• Specialty Electrical Services

For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.