Electricity in our homes is a great thing – it allows us to turn lights on, run our appliances, and power our electronics. There is no doubt that without electricity, our lives would be much more difficult. However, it is important to remember that electricity can be a fire hazard when safety measures are not taken.

Have Electrical Work Done by Qualified Electrician

You should never attempt to do electrical work on your own. Hire a qualified electrician to help you fix your electrical problems, perform inspections, and when buying or remodeling a home. Call an electrician if you are having problems with blowing fuses, sparks from an outlet, or flickering or dimming lights.

Check Your Home for Electrical Safety Hazards

It is a good idea to check your home for any hazards that could cause electrical fires. Make sure to look out for:

  • Damaged electrical cords or wires
  • Receptacle outlets or switches without faceplates
  • Bulbs with incorrect wattage for your lights
  • More than one heat producing appliance per outlet
  • Light bulbs without shades or globes for protection

If you notice any of the above hazards in your home, be sure to correct them immediately to prevent an electrical fire.

Electrical Safety Tips

Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind when using electrical appliances in your home:

  • Major appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet. Do not use an extension cord for refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, or microwaves
  • Consider having Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) installed in your home to shut off electricity when a dangerous situation occurs
  • Use Ground- Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements to shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard

Davis-Ulmer encourages all homeowners to be vigilant when it comes to electrical safety in the home. We understand how dangerous electrical fires can be and we would like you to do what you can to prevent a fire from happening in your home. If you want additional protection from a fire, Davis-Ulmer can install a fire protection system in your home or business. To learn more, contact us today.