{"id":36770,"date":"2019-11-08T12:19:17","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T20:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/verawaterandpower.com\/?page_id=36770"},"modified":"2019-11-08T12:42:43","modified_gmt":"2019-11-08T20:42:43","slug":"electrical-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/verawaterandpower.com\/safety\/electrical-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Electrical Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Electrical Fire Prevention<\/h2>\n

Be Fire Prevention Smart \u2014 Don\u2019t Get Burned!<\/p>\n

Electricity usually makes life easier by powering kitchen appliances, gadgets, and electronics we use for entertainment. However, that same electricity contains the potential to destroy homes and take lives. Electric fires are more destructive than any other type of fire, and they are twice as deadly.<\/p>\n

Vera Water and Power has 7 ways to help you keep your electric system safe:<\/p>\n

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  1. Consider getting an\u00a0electric inspection\u00a0<\/strong>of your home, especially if it is an older home, or you have never had an inspection.<\/li>\n
  2. Do not use water to extinguish an electrical fire<\/strong>. Water conducts electricity, and you could get an electric shock. Use an extinguisher that is approved for use on electric fires.<\/li>\n
  3. Flickering lights, warm, cracked, or sparking outlets all indicate electric problems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  4. If circuits trip, fuses blow, someone gets a shock, your home has an electric problem<\/strong>. Get an electric inspection.<\/li>\n
  5. Do not overload outlets,<\/strong>\u00a0use an extension cord as a permanent wiring solution, or use light bulbs that are not rated for the socket.<\/li>\n
  6. Contact an electrician about\u00a0installing an\u00a0arc fault circuit interrupter<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(AFCI). An AFCI monitors the flow of electricity in your home. If the flow of electricity is irregular and could cause a fire, the AFCI shuts off electricity. An AFCI costs around $35, plus the cost of professional installation. The cost also depends on the size of your home and how many circuit breakers you have.<\/li>\n
  7. Inspect electric plugs and cords annually.<\/strong> If they are frayed or cracked, repair or replace them. Do not place cords under rugs, or staple or nail them to the wall.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Reduce the Risk of Electrical Fires With AFCIs<\/h2>\n

    \"ElectricDecember, January, and February are the leading months for home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. One of the causes of these fires is electrical malfunction. The Safe Electricity program shares information on the warning signs of an electrical problem in your home and how adding arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) can help prevent electrical fires.<\/p>\n

    Overloaded circuits, electrical faults, and faulty wiring can all cause electrical fires. It is a good idea to get an electrical inspection of your home, especially if it is an older home or you never had an inspection. Signs of electrical problems in a home include blown fuses, tripped circuits, flickering lights and warm, cracked, or sparking outlets.<\/p>\n

    The Chicago Tribune reported on an electrical fire that caused thousands of dollars of damage in June 2016 in Elgin, Ill. The blaze began in the home\u2019s attic due to the incorrectly installed electrical wiring in the home and the smolder began in the insulation.<\/p>\n

    Electrical arc faults occur when an electric current flows through an unplanned path. AFCIs can reduce the chance of electrical fires by sensing arcing conditions, distinguishing between normal and unintended arcing. When an abnormal or dangerous arc is detected, the AFCI de-energizes the circuit.<\/p>\n

    Research on arc fault safety precautions began in the late 1980s and early 1990s. AFCIs were first mentioned in the National Electrical Code (NEC) in 1999. The 2014 NEC requires AFCIs be installed in all areas of new residential construction with the exception of bathrooms, garages, and outside areas.<\/p>\n

    There are different types of AFCIs available. For installation and in order to determine which type is best for your home\u2019s safety, contact a professional electrician.<\/p>\n

    Branch\/feeder AFCIs are designed to primarily handle parallel faults and are installed at the origin of a branch circuit, such as a panel board, and protect the entire circuit.<\/p>\n

    Combination AFCIs became required, beginning in 2008, for new residential constructions. They are designed to protect against both parallel and series faults. In addition, they are more sensitive to faults, tripping at 5 amps.<\/p>\n

    Outlet circuit AFCIs protect cords and equipment that are plugged into an outlet. They are installed at a branch circuit outlet and provide both parallel and series arc-fault protection. However, they do not provide arc-fault protection upstream from the device.<\/p>\n

    Downed Power Lines<\/h2>\n

    In partnership with the Electrical Safety Foundation International, we want to ensure your safety when living and working around electrical power. We encourage you to\u00a0visit their highly informative website<\/a>\u00a0for extensive resources on safety.<\/p>\n

    \"Downed<\/a><\/p>\n

    Remember, downed power lines can be deadly. Always assume a downed power line is energized and avoid going near it or anything in contact with. Use caution. Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away.<\/p>\n

    If You See a Downed Power Line, Notify the Local Authorities Immediately<\/h3>\n

    Never drive over a downed power line or water that’s in contact with a downed power line. Never try to move a downed power line. Even using items that typically are not conductive WILL NOT prevent injury or death.<\/p>\n

    If your car comes in contact with a power line, stay in your vehicle until help comes. Do not touch any part of your car’s frame or any other metal. Use a cell phone or honk your horn to summon help. Allow only rescue personnel to approach your car!<\/p>\n

    If Your Car is in Contact With a Downed Power Line and You Must Exit Due to Fire or Another Imminent Threat<\/h3>\n
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    1. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing.<\/li>\n
    2. Open the door to your vehicle without touching the metal door frame.<\/li>\n
    3. Jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and so both feet land at the same time.<\/li>\n
    4. Shuffle away so that the toe of one foot shuffles forward along the length of the other foot, ensuring that both feet are in constant contact and always touching the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If you witness a car collision with a power pole, do not approach the accident. By trying to help, you will put your own life at risk. The best thing to do is contact emergency responders and stay far away from the accident.<\/p>\n

      Power lines may be difficult to see if they are covered in snow or ice, so be cautious if you must be out driving after a winter storm.<\/p>\n

      Child and Student Safety<\/h2>\n

      \"Vera<\/a><\/p>\n

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      1. Whatever you do, don\u2019t overload your plugs or extension cords.<\/li>\n
      2. Keep electrical cords out of the way. Avoid making cords a trip hazard.<\/li>\n
      3. Never climb into a substation. If your toy, ball or pet are inside an electrical substation, have an adult call the power company to come and retrieve it for you.<\/li>\n
      4. Never pull an electrical cord from the wall.<\/li>\n
      5. Don\u2019t fly your kite near power lines or substations.<\/li>\n
      6. Have an adult help you when using electrical appliances.<\/li>\n
      7. Look up and live. Whenever climbing a tree be sure there aren\u2019t any power lines nearby.<\/li>\n
      8. Have your parents install tamper resistant receptacles on outlets. Outlet covers are out now! Kids know just how to get those covers off! Besides, the national testing labs no longer approve.<\/li>\n
      9. Help keep your parent safe. Remind them to look up and watch out for overhead power lines when they are using a ladder and working outside.<\/li>\n
      10. Remember, electricity and water don\u2019t mix.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Birds on a Wire<\/h3>\n

        While it is safe for a bird to sit on an overhead power line, it is not safe for people to be near overhead power lines.<\/strong><\/p>\n

        So, how can birds sit on a power line unharmed?<\/p>\n

        Vera Water and Power reveals insights into the \u201cbird on a wire\u201d phenomenon and separates fact from fiction.<\/p>\n