Salem-News.com Safe & Sound Report: Household Electrical Safety Key to Avoiding Serious Injury

Salem-News.com is dedicated to keeping you and your family Safe & Sound by offering tips from fire, police, state agencies, and utility companies to keep you and your family safe from danger.

Salem firefighters inspect an electrical panel after a fire Photo Courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - Electricity is something few people can live without.

It lights homes, runs businesses and makes lives a whole lot easier. But it can also be dangerous, especially to young children.

Some people don`t realize there is enough power at every electrical outlet to cause serious injury, or even death, if proper electrical safety precautions aren`t taken.

According to Carrie Reese, Pacific Power public safety manager, most electrical injuries and accidents that occur in the home can be easily avoided by using common sense and taking a little extra care.

Take the time to eliminate potential hazards in your home and instruct family members on household electrical safety.

Pacific Power offers the following tips for safely using electricity inside the home:

Don`t overload electrical circuits. This is a common cause of fires. Use outlet plug covers if you have small children in the house. Attach extension cords to appliances before plugging the extension cords into outlets. Always disconnect by pulling on the plug — not the cord. Unplug appliances before attempting any repairs. Use extension cords wisely. Never exceed the load rating; always throw away damaged cords; and don`t use extension cords as a replacement for permanent wiring. Use three-pronged grounded plugs only in three-prong outlets; never cut the third prong off of a plug. Never use electrical appliances near water. Hairdryers, radios and other bathroom or kitchen appliances should be kept away from sinks and tubs. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) — outlets with red and black "test" and "reset" buttons — in bathrooms, garages, near kitchen sinks and outdoors, as they will shut off power during a short circuit or grounding event. When performing electrical do-it-yourself projects around the home, always turn off circuit breakers and then test circuits to make sure they are de-energized before performing any work. Professional electricians can help make sure large projects are performed according to electrical codes for your home. "It`s important that parents take measures to protect their children from electrical hazards and other household dangers," said Reese. "In addition, ensure that safe conditions exist in daycare facilities and other people`s homes where your children play, and in hotels when you travel. Teach children at a young age to avoid potential electrical hazards both inside and outside the home."

For more information about electrical safety, Pacific Power customers can visit www.pacificpower.net or call (800) 375-7085 for free safety materials.

Previous Salem-News.com Safe & Sound Reports: Boating Safety and Family Bicycle Safety.

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