If you had to tell someone where you felt your family was the safest, what would you say? I would say at home. I think everyone feels safe at home, so safe in fact that most of us don’t think of the dangers that lurk there.
The biggest danger is the electricity that courses through our homes. It’s invisible, it’s always there so we usually don’t think about it, but we do need to take steps to make sure our family is safe from electrical hazards.
The first hazard that comes to mind is all the cords that snake around your house. Are they all in good shape? Do you have any that have been chewed by a puppy or pinched in something that cause the casing to break? Any cords not in perfect condition should be replaced immediately. They are an electrical shock hazard as well as a fire hazard.
Once you know all the cords are in good shape look at the space they occupy. Are there cords snaking across an area that gets foot traffic? If so, find a way to tuck them away. Someone could trip over the cord and hurt themselves.
We all know water and electricity do not mix. Do you have GFI outlets in the kitchen and bathroom? Are your children aware of the dangers of water and electricity?
Be aware of overloading circuit breakers and extension cords. If you are constantly tripping the same breaker or your lights flicker that is a sign that the circuit is overloaded. Look for ways to reduce the load.
Do you have surge protectors to protect your electronics? They are not expensive and can save you hundreds of dollars in computer hardware.
Are your outlet and light switch covers in good shape? If they are cracked or broken there is a risk of electric shock. Replacing covers is easy and inexpensive. You can use this as an opportunity to dress up the room with some prettier covers while you’re at it.
There aren’t many of us who could live without electricity so it’s important that we learn to live safely with it.