It’s finally May, which means warmer weather and more sunshine – but more importantly: it’s National Electrical Safety Month!
Each May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month, an annual themed campaign used to educate key audiences about steps that should be taken to reduce the number of electrical related injuries, fatalities, and fires.
As something almost every homeowner interacts with, electricity is a part of everyday life. Do you know how to keep yourself safe around electricity?
Now you may be thinking: why is this important? Let us share some data with you compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- In 2020, 126 electrical fatalities occurred in the United States; 2,220 electrical injuries occurred.
- On average, there are annually more than 400 electrocutions per year; 20% of those are caused by exposed or household wiring.
- Annually, an average of 51,000 electrical home structure fires occur, taking almost 500 lives and injuring more than 1,400 people; this also results in more than $1.3 billion in property damages.
Electrical injuries can happen anywhere – at work or home; but that doesn’t mean you should be alarmed! To help keep you safe, we’ve compiled a list of best practices:
- If you see a fallen overhead power line, NEVER touch it. Instead, call the electric utility company to report it.
- Unless qualified and authorized, never repair electrical cords.
- When in doubt, contact a professional rather than trying to work on electrical wiring in your home on your own.
Help yourself avoid injury and loss by hiring a professional inspector before moving into a new space. Our professionals are trained to catch exposed wires and household wiring that is not up to code – both of which can save you from catastrophe.
Now that we’ve taken a moment to remind you of some general safety practices, let’s consider the theme for 2022’s National Electrical Safety Month: “Energy Resilience.”
One key thing to keep in mind when building up your energy resilience is efficiency. Everyone can take steps to become more energy efficient in their own homes. Here are some things to try to improve your energy efficiency and resilience:
- Replace traditional lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs, which use 25-80% less energy
- Utilize smart plugs or power strips to turn off power to devices not in use
- Only heat areas of your home in use with energy efficient space heaters
- Use a home automation system to control HVAC and lighting when you are away
- Set up surge protectors throughout the house to minimize risk of electrical fire or power surges damaging expensive appliances
- Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to detect leaks, such as when a powered device encounters water, and shut down electricity preventing harm
- Ensure that all appliances are being used per manufacturer’s instructions
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets; always keep in mind the maximum power demand that receptacles can handle and be certain that you don’t exceed it
- Treat power cords properly – never purposefully damage them by nailing them down and keep an eye on them to ensure they are being pinched or damaged
Here at AmeriSpec, we keep all of this in mind when performing home inspections and are happy to help ensure your safety through an intensive inspection process. Our professionals are proactive in ensuring the safety of you and your belongings.
This May, and every month, help us keep you safe from electrical injuries, fatalities, and property damage by scheduling a home or commercial inspection with us. While there are plenty of tips and tricks to keep you safe – the best way to do so is to contact a professional to inspect your electrical systems and catch a catastrophe before it happens! Call us today to schedule an inspection at (952) 854-5110 or Contact Us.
