Electronic appliances are a major part of any household. If you look around, you'll find yourself surrounded by one or another device. The universality of their usage makes it necessary to focus on the downsides too. If the electrical health of your house is neglected, it could result in short circuits and even fires.
It is common knowledge that most house fires start with an electrical malfunction. The best way to prevent any potential hazards is to opt for a home protection plan. Here are seven key things to keep in mind while ensuring your house is safe for you and your family.
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Electrical Important Checklists To Keep Your Home Safe
Encase Cords and Plugs:
It is important to ensure that all cords, plugs, extension cords, and surge protectors are encased safely and properly. If not, the least you can do is to make sure there is no fraying, broken parts, or exposed wires. Make sure you don't place any wires on the door entrance or lobby. There is a possibility of an electrical shock, in case someone were to accidentally come in contact. Consider investing in a switch power cord if you need an extra socket for charging phones and laptops.
Use Electronics Below Wattage Levels
Whenever you are buying any sort of lighting or electronic, always check its wattage. It is printed on the backside of the product package. Important information like this can help you recognize the maximum wattage. Using high-watt lamps on low-watt power strips can cause a short circuit. So it is always advisable to recheck and do your maths before installing another electronic device in any part of your house. You can also install surge protectors to protect both your home and your electronic appliances.
Recheck Smoke Detectors:
According to the National Fire Protection Association, out of every 5 homes, fire deaths were caused, 3 were result due to no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that were not working. It is advisable to recheck your smoke detectors, as most houses have outdated detectors.
The report also says that the casualty rate drops by 50% in houses with working smoke detectors. Most smoke detectors have a battery life of up to 10 years, yet people end up upsetting them and later forgetting about them. Don't be that person and keep your detectors up to date.
Unplug Unused Devices
Although this may sound like cliche advice, most people often neglect it. Your electrical appliances might be useful when plugged in, but they can act as a double-edged sword if left unplugged. The National Fire Incident Reporting System reported that about 69,000 fires were started because of an appliance. Leaving appliances unplugged not only poses potential risks but also hikes up your electricity bill. If you want to ensure your family's safety plus save money, here's simple advice: unplug it.
Look For Warning Signs:
Are your lights flickering a bit too much? It could signal an eventual broken and corroded connection. Do your light bulbs keep burning out? Maybe there is a loose connection somewhere in the socket. Warm or dead outlets could also signal an underlying issue that requires the attention of a professional electrician. The bottom line is that you need to be aware of any prevalent warning signs that could lead to potential harm or even fires.
Annual Checkups
Found something alarming that might need professional attention? Contact a local electrician in Drysdale to make sure everything is safe and perfect for use. They will do most of the legwork to keep you and your family safe. Always keep the receipt you get after a check. It can be used to show your house is safe, in
case you plan on selling it.
Additional Safety Concerns
Children are often unaware of the basic safety norms related to electrical appliances and sockets. You can always educate them about the dos and don'ts of electricity. But it is best to make your house child-friendly, especially if you have a lot of young ones running around. For starters, try installing tamper-resistant electrical receptacles in your house to prevent exposure to risky outlets. Grounding faulty circuits and circuit breakers will cut off any excess electricity, making appliances safe.
Conclusion
While fire safety is necessary, it is far more important to take preventive measures. As the saying goes: better safe than sorry. It might seem unnecessary at first, but unattended issues could lead to disasters. If you're concerned about the safety of your family, make a checklist just like this. Ensuring that your house is safe with these seven tips will help you avoid problems now, and in the future as well. Good luck!
