National Electrical Safety Month

Safety tips for your family & home

Each May, Hendricks Power celebrates National Electrical Safety Month. While safety for our members is a top priority year-round, Electrical Safety Month is a time to acknowledge the importance of safety and prevention.

This year, we’re focusing on electrical safety in the home. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), electricity causes over 140,000 fires each year, resulting in more than 500 deaths, 4,000 injuries, and 1.6 billion in property damage.

There are many measures you can take to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Use these helpful tips to safeguard your home.

Kitchen Safety

• Vacuum refrigerator coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that can reduce efficiency and create fire hazards.
• Ensure all countertop appliances are away from the sink.
• All appliance cords should be away from hot surfaces. Pay particular attention to cords around toasters, ovens, and ranges. Cords can be easily damaged by excess heat, posing a significant fire hazard if not properly managed.

Essential Fire Safety

• Regularly clean out your dryer vent. Lint is easy to ignite.
• Test smoke alarms every month. Batteries should be replaced at least once a year — or sooner if indicated in the manufacturers’ instructions.
• All smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years.
• Talk to your family about an emergency plan for a fire in your home. If you have small children, include them in planning an emergency escape route — they are more likely to remember the plan if they’re involved in creating it.

Light Safety

• The wattage of the bulbs you use in your home should match the wattage indicated on the light fixture. Overheated fixtures can lead to a fire.
• Check lamp cords to ensure they are in good condition — not damaged or cracked. Do not attempt to repair damaged cords yourself. Take any item with a damaged power cord to an authorized repair center.
• Extension cords are the number one cause of electrical fires. They should not be used to provide power on a long-term or permanent basis. A professional should install additional receptacles to provide power where needed. Never use an extension cord outdoors unless it is plugged into a grounded outlet.