Electricity keeps our homes warm and bright, but it can also cause shocks and fires if we are not careful. For this reason, it is important to check our homes for electrical hazards. A few simple habits can help you stay safe and avoid a trip to the emergency room.
Start by looking at the cords around your home. Frayed or cracked cords are dangerous. They can spark and start a fire before you even notice. If you see damage, stop using the item right away. Do not hide cords under rugs or behind furniture. Electricity produces heat, so cords tucked under and behind furniture can overheat. The risk of tripping over them is real, so keep cords out of walkways where you or a visitor could fall.
Space heaters are common in cool weather, but they cause many house fires each year. Always keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. This includes curtains, beds, and chairs. Turn off your space heater when you leave the room or go to sleep. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord. Extension cords cannot handle the high power that space heaters need. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet instead.
Window air conditioners and fans are more frequent during summer because they help us stay cool, but they can also cause fires if used wrong. Always plug window units directly into a wall outlet, just like heaters. Turn off fans and air conditioners when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep them at least three feet away from curtains, beds, and chairs.
Overloaded outlets are another risk. If you plug too many things into one outlet, the wires inside your walls can get too hot. This heat can start a fire inside the wall where you cannot see it. Use only one high-power appliance in each outlet at a time. This means your coffeemaker, toaster, and window air conditioner should each have their own outlet.
Summer rain and damp grass can create wet spots near outdoor outlets and doorways. Wipe up spills quickly and make sure your hands are dry before you touch any electrical device.
Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are special outlets that shut off power fast if they sense a problem. They are required in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Test your GFCI outlets once a month by pressing the test button. If the outlet does not trip when you press the button, it may not protect you. Ask an electrician to check it.
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries twice a year, such as when you change batteries in your smoke alarms. If your smoke alarm is more than ten years old, replace it. Working smoke alarms give you the early warning you need to get out safely.
If you need more help or want to learn more, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers free guides on home safety. You can visit their website at ready.alaska.gov or call your local fire department. Many fire departments in Alaska will visit your home for free to help you find hazards.
Electricity is a helpful friend, but it demands respect. By taking these small steps, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable home all summer long.
Christian M. Hartley is an Alaska resident with three decades of public safety and public service experience. He lives in Big Lake.
