18 June, 2024
Hi-Lite Electric Inc.
June is more than just the month when classes end and it’s time to celebrate summer. It is also National Electrical Safety Month, a time to be aware of and understand the importance of electrical safety.
In this blog, we’re going to expand more on the importance of this month and all the electrical tips you can use to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.
National Electrical Safety Month was started and promoted by Electricity Canada back in 2013, and has kept evolving over the years ever since. Electricity is part of our everyday lives and although it brings many positives, there is also a cautionary tale within it.
This month is important to recognize because it brings awareness of the dangers of using electricity in our daily lives. When electrical problems are left unattended, fires can happen.
Indeed, in Canada, 50% of all fires each year are caused by electrical issues. With this staggering statistic in mind, it’s no wonder we have an entire month dedicated to preventing these disasters.
Now that we recognize the importance of National Electric Safety Month, let’s go over the ways you can protect your safety when it comes to electricity before needing to call an electrician in Etobicoke.
Cords and outlets are everywhere in our lives—in our homes, at the office, and even at the coffee shop we spend too much money at. Since they are so small and frequently used, we can sometimes forget to be careful when using them.
With cords, if you notice they are damaged in any way, do not use them and replace them immediately. If the cord happens to be an integral part of your home, call an electrician in Etobicoke to have it checked out and replaced professionally.
If you frequently use extension cords, do not run them constantly because, contrary to popular belief, they are actually only meant for temporary use. Be sure to also not run them under carpets or through doorways, as someone may trip or close the door on them, causing damage.
With outlets, if they feel warm to the touch, or you are noticing that fuses are blowing often, don’t wait; instead, call your local electrician in Etobicoke immediately. Likewise, if you have circuits that are frequently tripping or lights flickering, these are also signs of electrical hazards that should not be ignored.
It’s no secret that appliances are everywhere in our lives, but just because they are common, it doesn’t mean they can’t have electrical problems. For instance, when you’re done using an appliance or tool, always unplug it.
Leaving equipment that requires a large amount of power plugged in can sometimes cause the circuit to trip. When connecting countertop appliances, make sure they are connected to the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which protects everything connected to that circuit.
Another common appliance that should be frequently checked for health and safety reasons is your smoke detector. Electricians in Etobicoke and many other professionals recommend testing it once a month to make sure it works.
It is also a good idea to test it twice a year by using a lit cotton string or matchstick to determine, according to the sound, whether or not the batteries need to be replaced.
Be mindful of electrical hazards beyond your home. If you or someone you know works closely with electricity, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. First, before beginning work on any job site, thoroughly examine it to determine any potential hazards and establish a plan for the safety of all those working on-site.
Next, be sure to use your personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed, and have it checked daily for any damage or defects before using it. If working with electrically charged equipment, be sure you are wearing the proper cover-up gear to prevent yourself or grounded surfaces from coming into contact with the equipment.
Lastly, never presume that objects are deactivated or unplugged. Always test and ground the object to make certain it is safe to use before beginning any work.
It’s no secret that kids are curious creatures who want to grab and touch everything in sight. As a parent or caregiver, it is extremely important to not only take precautionary safety steps, but also to inform children of any age who can understand what to not touch.
The first step you can take is to install electrical outlet covers. This will prevent your child from trying to jam their fingers or an object inside of them, which can cause electrocution, severe bodily damage, and significant damage to your property.
There are only so many precautionary steps that you can take when it comes to “child-proofing” your home. Thus, the next best thing is to teach your children about electrical safety. Instruct them not to touch any outlets, wires, or appliances and to ask an adult if they need to use an electronic device.
For children a bit older, make sure they understand the importance of not touching any electronics with wet hands. If you have a child who enjoys playing outside, be sure to tell them about keeping their kites, balloons, flying toys, or anything else that can become airborne away from power lines.
June is a very important month when it comes to discussing electricity and the dangers it can bring if not monitored. However, to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we should practice safety and awareness every single month of the year.
Remember to always follow and implement proper safety techniques when it comes to dealing with electricity in your home. If you are unsure of how to proceed, be sure to call an expert electrician in Etobicoke and let the professionals handle it.
For more information about electrical safety, call Hi-Lite Electric Inc. at 416-800-5536 in Toronto, 289-236-1333 in York, and 289-236-1347 in Peel. You can also contact us online.
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