MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

I don’t know who proclaimed that the month of May is “National Electrical Safety Month”, but I think that it is a pretty good idea to raise the awareness of being safe around electricity. Most all of us have gotten to the point that we just assume that when we switch, dial or plug something in that it’s going to work and we don’t give a passing thought to our safety when doing so. And, for the most part, that probably is true as electrical systems in most of our homes and businesses are pretty safe. But, being a Home Inspector it never ceases to amaze me how some people treat the electrical appliances and systems as I inspect various structures and find things that I just have to shake my head at. So, it is good to get a reminder that uncontrolled electricity is dangerous electricity, and, to keep it controlled we have to follow some rules.

P. G. & E. (Pacific, Gas and Electric), one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States, is based in San Francisco and serves most of the area here in the foothills and the Sierras of Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. P. G. & E. jumped on the program by sending out a reminder that: “Electrical hazards can result in substantial property damage, serious injuries and even death.” Here are some tips that they offered along with their message:

· Only use appliances and equipment according to the manufacturer’s
instructions
· Replace damaged electrical equipment or have it repaired by a qualified
electrician or a repair center
· Never overload power strips, extension cords and surge suppressors
· Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection on all electrical
outlets near water sources such as bathrooms, kitchens, fountains and
swimming pools.
· Only purchase electrical appliances and equipment tested and approved by an
independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories
· Keep your body, arms, long handled tools, saws, ladders, pool tools, lumber
and anything that reaches above your head at least 10 feet away from
overhead power lines
· Call 811 before you dig. If you’re planting bushes or trees or just digging
a hole for a fence post, call 811 at least two days ahead of time. It’s a
free service to come to your home and mark the location of their underground
facilities like electric, gas, cable TV and water lines.

These are all great tips from P. G. & E. well worth being reminded of. I’d like to suggest that you take the time to walk around and throughout your home today before it slips your mind and look at all of the wall receptacles, switches and fixtures and take note of any that seem to be damaged. Maybe you could take stock of the condition of your appliances and electric powered tools and have anything that is damaged repaired. Getting shocked by electricity is no fun and hurts, but being electrocuted is very permanent and you would be surprised how little electricity it takes for that to occur! Be safe and do the right thing for you and your families safety and check out your home today!