Electrical Defense: Keep Yourself & Your Home Safe

April 5, 2024

Electricity is a powerful force that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Electrical safety is crucial for all—but especially older adults, children, and people with disabilities.

Common Electrical Hazards

Many electrical hazards can cause serious injury or death. Some of the most common include:

  • Electrical shock occurs when a person’s body comes into contact with an electrical current. The severity of the shock depends on the amount of current, the length of time the person is in contact with the current, and the path of the current through the body.
  • Electrocution is a type of electrical shock that results in death.
  • Electrical fires can be caused by several things, such as overloaded electrical circuits, faulty appliances, and arcing.
  • Electrical explosions can be caused by arcing, a type of electrical discharge that occurs when two conductors come into close contact or when an electrical current jumps across a small gap between a loose connection and a metal surface. Arcing creates a tremendous amount of heat—which can cause fires—and sparks—which can ignite flammable gases or liquids.

How To Stay Safe

Some crucial electrical safety tips include:

  • When working with electricity, be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards, like flammable materials or exposed wires.
  • Use the right tools for the job. For example, use a power strip with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) when working with appliances.
  • Never work with electricity near water. Water is a good conductor of electricity and can increase the risk of electrical shock.
  • Don’t overload electrical circuits. Overloaded circuits can cause fires.
  • Teach young children about electrical safety.
  • Be aware of the warning signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights and warm or hot outlets. If you see any of these, call an electrician immediately.
  • Keep appliances in good working order and repair any damage immediately.
  • Have appliances and your electrical system regularly inspected by a qualified electrician.
Book a Qualified Electrician

Faulty Electrical Causes Fires

Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), faulty electrical was the second leading cause of house fires in the United States in 2021, accounting for 13% of all home structure fires. These fires caused an estimated average of 390 civilian deaths and 1,330 civilian injuries each year in 2015–2019, as well as an estimated $1.5 billion in direct property damage a year.

Loss of life and property from a home electrical fire is all too real. To avoid risks and ensure safety in your home, call the experienced and licensed electricians from Gorjanc at (216) 545-1776.

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