Make electrical safety a priority

Louie Ward Manager of Tallapoosa River Electric

While there are several worthwhile observances this month, I think it is well worth noting May as Electrical Safety Month. I hope you will take this reminder seriously. It is a great time to check things like extension cords. If they are frayed, nicked, or the plug connections are in foul shape, repair or replace them. Check lamp and appliance cords for the same. Also, make sure cords on lamps are not trip hazards, nor are they under a rug. Cords under rugs can be a potential fire hazard. While you may have already put space heaters in storage, this is a good time to check them out. Make sure you remove dust and dirt from them and ensure their cords are in good order. If knobs are missing and for some reason cannot be replaced, please discard them. It’s really not safe to use pliers or some similar tool to turn them off and on.

On the outside of the house, check all outdoor plugs. Make sure they are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter. Make sure any wiring close to water, pools, the lake, or wiring that could be close to standing water when the ground is wet is up to current electrical safety codes.

Something new to my list this time around is electric cars and really all things that you recharge. Make sure you are charging them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Particularly for small rechargeable gadgets such as phones, personal entertainment devices and battery-operated power tools and outdoor power tools, double check to make sure that chargers are not left plugged in when not in use and be sure to unplug them when charging is completed. I have heard of numerous fires started when such devices are left on charge for extended periods of time.

Finally, before leaving the house in the morning, double check to ensure that things like curling irons, clothing irons and steamers are either unplugged or turned off.

There are plenty more tips for electrical safety on our website, www.trec.coop