What is an Electrical Safety Plan?
Numbers from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) reveal that there are about 31,000 home fires every day. What’s even more surprising is that most of these cases are related to incidents such as damaged wiring, or overloaded power outlets.
It is very easy to avoid such incidents and protect your life and property from fire damage. All you need is an electrical safety plan.
Introduction to Electrical Safety Plan
An electrical safety plan is a set of precautions in the form of a checklist that can help prevent hazardous electrical mishaps. Some plans also include steps to take in case such an incident occurs.
These precautions are made to not just ensure the safety of all electrical appliances and wiring in your home, but also allow you and other people living under the same roof to be prepared for what they should do in case of an electrical emergency.
If you don’t already have an electrical safety plan, here are some tips on what to include in one:
Form a Weekly Electrical Assessment Checklist
A weekly assessment of all things electrical in your home will help you prevent most electrical mishaps. Having a checklist of everything that you need to check on a weekly basis makes the job easier and also ensures that you’re not forgetting anything.
Here are some common things you should have on your electrical assessment checklist:
- Make sure all wiring is intact, including cable sleeves. All wiring should be intact and not damaged from anywhere. Exposed wires pose a greater threat of electrocution, hence take steps to secure them.
- Check all plugs and sockets as overloaded sockets are the cause of over 5,300 house fires every year. If you have a socket that hosts multiple plugs, be sure to check in on it to make sure it does not get overloaded. Additionally, ensure there are no loose plugs. Loose plugs can often generate sparks when moved around, which may cause a fire.
- Keep an eye on old appliances as they tend to be more prone to cause a fire. It is best to unplug them before you go to bed.
Use PVC Trunking
PVC trunking can be used to cover or protect wires that are more likely to get damaged. Moreover, it is also a great way to keep your wires neatly tucked away.
You must take steps to ensure live wires are not on the ground or open. Birds should not be able to cause damage to them and they should also be far from the reach of children. PVC trunking can be a great way to reduce the risk as they’re not only affordable but also effective.
Be Prepared In case of an Accident
An important part of an electrical safety plan is to prepare yourself and those around you in case of an electrical accident. Such accidents can be hard to predict but being prepared can reduce the risk.
We understand that facing an electrical mishap, such as a fire, can be a scary experience; however, it is necessary that you stay calm and follow your prepared plan. Being anxious or losing your calmness will worsen the situation.
Here are some tips to remember:
- Turn off the main power source immediately, especially if you see a spark or if you suspect that one of your connections is beginning to catch fire. However, make sure it is safe to approach the main power before you do so. Also, call a professional to assess the situation before you turn it back on again. This is because turning on the main power can cause serious damage if it has sustained any damage.
- Keep a CO2 extinguisher in an inaccessible area. If you’ve stuffed your extinguisher somewhere in the attic because ‘we will never need that’ it is time to take it out. Electrical fires can spread and gain momentum very quickly, you need to have your extinguisher placed where you can grab it immediately. Also, make sure everyone in the house knows how to use one.
- NEVER touch a hazardous power outlet with your bare hands. Furthermore, turn off the source of power immediately using a broom or any non-conductor of electricity such as rubber or plastic if you see a damaged outlet.
Better Safe than Sorry
The main purpose of an electrical safety plan is ‘not’ to reduce the damage but to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. It’s only possible if you keep all wires and sockets safe. Additionally, turn off all sockets before going to bed, and do not keep any electronic devices in close proximity to you.
In case of an electrical fire that has gotten out of control, leave everything and run out of the house – no property is more precious than your own life. Call the emergency department and get in touch with an electrical power and safety company like getting Delmar to assess the damage and help restore your property.
